Assessing the Immediate Impact of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Symptoms and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels

Abstract

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa triggered by allergens. Evidence suggests exercise positively affects rhinitis symptoms, but the impact of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on AR has not been studied. This study aimed to determine the acute effects of HIIE on AR symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in AR patients. Methods: Twelve AR patients completed two running exercise protocols: both high intensity for 1 min at 85%–90% alternating with low intensity at 50%–55% of maximum heart rate for 1 min (1:1 HIIE) or 2 min (1:2 HIIE). Rhinitis symptom scores, NBF, PNIF, and FeNO were measured before and after each protocol at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Two-way ANOVA determined significant differences in NBF, PNIF, and FeNO before and after exercise. The Friedman test examined rhinitis symptom scores. Differences were significant at p < 0.05. Results: NBF and FeNO were significantly lower after 1:2 HIIE than at baseline. AR symptom scores were significantly lower after both exercises. PNIF was significantly higher after both protocols than at baseline. Moreover, there was a significant difference in NBF at 0 minutes and in rhinorrhea symptoms at 0 and 15 minutes between 1:2 HIIE and 1:1 HIIE. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into managing allergic rhinitis through exercise. Both HIIE protocols significantly improved AR symptoms, but NBF and FeNO were lower after the 1:2 HIIE protocol. Therefore, a 1:2 work-to-rest ratio HIIE protocol is recommended for alleviating rhinitis symptoms.

Keywords

• high-intensity interval exercise
• allergic rhinitis
• nasal blood flow
• peak nasal inspiratory flow
• nitric oxide