Low-volume high-intensity interval training increased peak oxygen uptake in postmenopausal women (Δ = 2.2 mL/kg/min; P=0.01), with no significant interaction versus continuous training (P=0.688).
RCT (n=22)
Does low-volume high-intensity interval training improve cardiopulmonary and vascular functions in postmenopausal women compared to moderate-intensity continuous training?
A 2-week program of low-volume high-intensity interval training rapidly improves peak oxygen uptake in postmenopausal women, offering a time-efficient alternative to moderate-intensity continuous training.
p-value: p=0.688 for interaction
OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of a 2-week program of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIT) with the effects of higher-volume moderate-intensity continuous training (CT) on cardiopulmonary and vascular functions in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Twenty-two postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to undertake six HIT (n = 12) or CT (n = 10) sessions for 2 weeks. HIT sessions consisted of ten 1-minute intervals of cycling exercise at 100% of peak power output separated by 1 minute of active recovery. CT sessions involved 40 minutes of continuous cycling at 65% of peak power output. Variables assessed at baseline and 2 weeks included cardiopulmonary function (ventilatory threshold, peak oxygen uptake), macrovascular endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery), and microvascular function (reactive hyperemia and local thermal hyperemia of forearm skin). RESULTS: Eighteen participants completed the study (HIT, 11; CT, 7). Adherence to the exercise programs was excellent, with 107 of 108 sessions completed. Despite substantially lower total time commitment (∼2.5 vs. ∼5 h) and training volume (558 vs. 1,237 kJ) for HIT versus CT, increases from baseline in peak oxygen uptake achieved significance (P = 0.01) for the HIT group only (Δ = 2.2 mL kg min; P for interaction = 0.688). Improvements in exercise test duration were observed in both groups (HIT, 13%; CT, 5%; P for interaction = 0.194). There were no significant changes in macrovascular or microvascular function in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that low-volume HIT is feasible and can lead to rapid improvements in cardiopulmonary function in postmenopausal women.
Klonizakis et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Postmenopausal (n=22). Low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIT) vs. Moderate-intensity continuous training (CT) (40 minutes at 65% peak power) was evaluated on Cardiopulmonary function (peak oxygen uptake) (p=0.688 for interaction). Low-volume high-intensity interval training increased peak oxygen uptake in postmenopausal women (Δ = 2.2 mL/kg/min; P=0.01), with no significant interaction versus continuous training (P=0.688).