Effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on arterial stiffness in
Ping Luo1, Mingxuan Huang2, Yufang Ye1
1School of Physical Education, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, China.
Objective:
Arterial stiffness (AS) is regarded as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, and it is significantly associated with global mortality rates. Physical activity (PA) plays a positive role in reducing AS and improving cardiovascular health. The aim of this study is to compare the differences between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in their effects on reducing AS.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO electronic databases, covering the period from their inception to January 10, 2025. We used a fixed-effect model to compare the changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and after intervention between the HIIT group and the MICT group. Data were reported using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI).
Results:
This study included 619 participants from 22 studies. Compared to MICT, HIIT demonstrated a more significant reduction in PWV (-0.10 m/s [95 % CI:0.16 to -0.03], P = 0.005). Additionally, we found that HIIT was superior in reducing CF-PWV (-0.10 m/s [95 % CI:0.17 to -0.02], P = 0.01).
Conclusion:
HIIT is more effective than MICT in improving PWV and promoting arterial health in adults.
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