Acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity interval exercise on vascular function
Simon Iskra1, Gašper Turnšek2, Armin Paravlić2,3,4
1Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova 22, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia. simon.iskra@fsp.uni-lj.si.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Moderate-intensity continuous training acutely increased peripheral arterial stiffness, while high-intensity interval training did not. Exercise intensity influences acute vascular responses differently in central and peripheral arteries.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Exercise intensity impacts cardiovascular health.
- Acute vascular responses to different exercise modalities require further investigation.
- Understanding exercise-induced vascular changes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare acute effects of HIIT and MICT on arterial stiffness.
- Assess impacts on endothelial and microvascular reactivity.
- Investigate responses in healthy, active adults.
Main Methods:
- 16 healthy adults participated in a randomized crossover trial.
- Two cycling protocols: HIIT (4x4 min at 100-105% RCP) and MICT (30 min at 65% RCP).
- Arterial stiffness (cfPWV, brPWV) and vascular reactivity (FMS, occlusion test) measured post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Moderate-intensity continuous training significantly increased brachial-radial PWV (brPWV).
- High-intensity interval training showed no significant change in brPWV.
- No significant changes observed in central arterial stiffness (cfPWV), flow-mediated slowing (FMS), or microvascular reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Exercise intensity differentially affects acute vascular responses.
- MICT acutely increases peripheral arterial stiffness, unlike HIIT.
- Assessing both central and peripheral vascular compartments is vital for understanding exercise impacts.
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