Key result
HIIT improves autonomic nervous system function and heart rate variability across diverse populations.
Why the study?
HIIT is recognized as a time-efficient strategy to improve cardiovascular fitness, metabolic health, and physical performance, but a synthesis of clinical research on its autonomic nervous system effects was needed.
Does High-Intensity Interval Training modulate Autonomic Nervous System function in clinical populations?
Systematic Review
Does High-Intensity Interval Training modulate Autonomic Nervous System function in clinical populations?
High-Intensity Interval Training is a time-efficient modality that can improve cardiovascular autonomic function, though individualized protocols are necessary for optimal clinical application.
Supports HIIT for autonomic modulation in diverse groups; extends evidence but variability limits definitive protocols.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has gained prominence as a time-efficient and effective exercise modality to improve cardiovascular (CV) fitness, metabolic health, and physical performance. Therefore, our aim was to synthesize current clinical research on the effects of HIIT on the Autonomic Nervous System. We conducted the search for studies in the Directory of Open Access Journals, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Pubmed, and Scielo databases, in January of 2024. We included a total of 20 studies in our review. This literature review highlights the potential of HIIT to modulate the Autonomic Nervous System, enhancing CV function and overall health. Despite the promising findings, the interpretation of the results is tempered by the variability in study designs, populations, and methodologies. Future research should address these limitations, aiming for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between HIIT and Autonomic Nervous System function. The review indicates that standardized protocols need to consider individual characteristics and baseline autonomic states for clinical application. As the body of evidence grows, HIIT may emerge as a cornerstone of exercise prescriptions aimed at optimizing autonomic function and promoting CV health.
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Coretti et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review in Autonomic nervous system function. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) was evaluated on Autonomic Nervous System function (including Heart Rate Variability and cardiac autonomic modulation). High-Intensity Interval Training positively modulated the Autonomic Nervous System across diverse populations, as evidenced by improvements in cardiac autonomic modulation and heart rate variability.
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