High-intensity interval training irrespective of its intensity improves markers of blood fluidity in hypertensive patients

Abstract

Aim: The present study examined and compared the effects of two different HIIT (High-intensity interval training) protocols on markers of blood fluidity in hypertensive patients. Methods: Thirty hypertensive (stage 1, systolic BP >140 and diastolic BP>90 mmHg) patients (age, 47.96 ± 3.20 yrs), were randomly allocated to short-duration HIIT (SDHIIT, n = 10), long-duration HIIT (LDHIIT, n = 10), and control (n = 10) groups. After 2 weeks of continuous mild training, patients in SDHIIT group performed 8 weeks of HIIT included 27 min HIIT that encompassed 27 repetitions of 30 s activity at 80%-100% of VO2peak interspersed by 30 s passive/active (10%-20% of VO2peak) recovery, while, patients in LDHIIT group performed 8 weeks of HIIT (32 min per session) included 4 repetitions of 4 min activity at 75%-90% of VO2peak interspersed by 4 min passive/active (15%-30% of VO2peak) recovery. Two blood samples were taken before and after training and were analyzed for hemorheological variables. Results: Significant (P .05). In addition, HIIT protocols increased RBC deformability significantly (P < .05), with no significant differences being observed between two protocols. Conclusion: It is concluded that HIIT training reduces SBP and markers of blood fluidity in patients with stage 1 hypertension irrespective of the HIIT intensity and duration. Therefore, this type of exercise training could be prescribed for improving the blood fluidity markers in hypertensive patients.

Keywords

• interval training
• exercise intensity
• hypertension
• red blood cell
• blood viscosity