Effects of a High-Intensity Interval Training Program on the Fitness and Performance of Firefighters

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a Tabata exercise program as an alternative for firefighters whose working environment makes it difficult to manage physical fitness. The Tabata exercise program, in which 16 people participated, led to increased muscle mass and reduced weight and body fat, which not only improved the health of the firefighters but also improved their cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle endurance, and muscle strength, which are essential elements during firefighting emergency relief activities. On the basis of these results, it is believed that developing and providing guidelines for scientific and systematic exercise programs to firefighters will lead to better work capability during fire and disaster situations.

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A pilot study of high-intensity interval training in older adults with treatment naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-02352-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Grace MacDonald ◽

Andrea Sitlinger ◽

Michael A. Deal ◽

Erik D. Hanson ◽

Stephanie Ferraro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

High Intensity ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Interval Training ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Muscle Endurance ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Treatment Naïve ◽

High Intensity Interval

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the USA, affecting predominantly older adults. CLL is characterized by low physical fitness, reduced immunity, and increased risk of secondary malignancies and infections. One approach to improving CLL patients’ physical fitness and immune functions may be participation in a structured exercise program. The aims of this pilot study were to examine physical and immunological changes, and feasibility of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with muscle endurance-based resistance training on older adults with treatment naïve CLL. We enrolled eighteen participants with CLL aged 64.9 ± 9.1 years and assigned them to groups depending on distance lived from our fitness center. Ten participants (4 M/6F) completed HIIT and six participants (4 M/2F) completed a non-exercising control group (Controls). HIIT consisted of three 30-min treadmill sessions/week plus two concurrent 30-min strength training sessions/week. Physical and immunological outcomes included aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance, and natural killer (NK) cell recognition and killing of tumor cells. We confirmed feasibility if > 70% of HIIT participants completed > 75% of prescribed sessions and prescribed minutes, and if > 80% of high-intensity intervals were at a heart rate corresponding to at least 80% of peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Results are presented as Hedge’s G effect sizes (g), with 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 representing small, medium and large effects, respectively. Following HIIT, leg strength (g = 2.52), chest strength (g = 1.15) and seated row strength (g = 3.07) were 35.4%, 56.1% and 39.5% higher than Controls, respectively, while aerobic capacity was 3.8% lower (g = 0.49) than Controls. Similarly, following HIIT, in vitro NK-cell cytolytic activity against the K562 cell line (g = 1.43), OSU-CLL cell line (g = 0.95), and autologous B-cells (g = 1.30) were 20.3%, 3.0% and 14.6% higher than Controls, respectively. Feasibility was achieved, with HIIT completing 5.0 ± 0.2 sessions/week and 99 ± 3.6% of the prescribed minutes/week at heart rates corresponding to 89 ± 2.8% of VO2peak. We demonstrate that 12-weeks of supervised HIIT combined with muscle endurance-based resistance training is feasible, and that high adherence and compliance are associated with large effects on muscle strength and immune function in older adults with treatment naïve CLL.Trial registration: NCT04950452.

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Supplements and Nutritional Interventions to Augment High-Intensity Interval Training Physiological and Performance Adaptations—A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020390 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 390 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Scott C. Forbes ◽

Darren G. Candow ◽

Abbie E. Smith-Ryan ◽

Katie R. Hirsch ◽

Michael D. Roberts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Sodium Bicarbonate ◽

High Intensity ◽

Interval Training ◽

Narrative Review ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Beta Alanine ◽

And Performance ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Nutritional Strategies

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves short bursts of intense activity interspersed by periods of low-intensity exercise or rest. HIIT is a viable alternative to traditional continuous moderate-intensity endurance training to enhance maximal oxygen uptake and endurance performance. Combining nutritional strategies with HIIT may result in more favorable outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight key dietary interventions that may augment adaptations to HIIT, including creatine monohydrate, caffeine, nitrate, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, protein, and essential amino acids, as well as manipulating carbohydrate availability. Nutrient timing and potential sex differences are also discussed. Overall, sodium bicarbonate and nitrates show promise for enhancing HIIT adaptations and performance. Beta-alanine has the potential to increase training volume and intensity and improve HIIT adaptations. Caffeine and creatine have potential benefits, however, longer-term studies are lacking. Presently, there is a lack of evidence supporting high protein diets to augment HIIT. Low carbohydrate training enhances the upregulation of mitochondrial enzymes, however, there does not seem to be a performance advantage, and a periodized approach may be warranted. Lastly, potential sex differences suggest the need for future research to examine sex-specific nutritional strategies in response to HIIT.

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Intra-individual physiological response of recreational runners to different training mesocycles: a randomized cross-over study

European Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1007/s00421-020-04477-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 120 (12) ◽

pp. 2705-2713

Author(s):

Peter Düking ◽

Hans-Christer Holmberg ◽

Philipp Kunz ◽

Robert Leppich ◽

Billy Sperlich

Keyword(s):

Interval Training ◽

High Volume ◽

Physiological Adaptation ◽

Time To Exhaustion ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Recreational Runners ◽

Uptake Velocity ◽

And Performance ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

The Individual

Abstract Purpose Pronounced differences in individual physiological adaptation may occur following various training mesocycles in runners. Here we aimed to assess the individual changes in performance and physiological adaptation of recreational runners performing mesocycles with different intensity, duration and frequency. Methods Employing a randomized cross-over design, the intra-individual physiological responses [i.e., peak ($${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm peak}}$$ V ˙ O 2 peak ) and submaximal ($${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm submax}}$$ V ˙ O 2 submax ) oxygen uptake, velocity at lactate thresholds (V2, V4)] and performance (time-to-exhaustion (TTE)) of 13 recreational runners who performed three 3-week sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-volume low-intensity training (HVLIT) or more but shorter sessions of HVLIT (high-frequency training; HFT) were assessed. Results $${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm submax}}$$ V ˙ O 2 submax , V2, V4 and TTE were not altered by HIIT, HVLIT or HFT (p > 0.05). $${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm peak}}$$ V ˙ O 2 peak improved to the same extent following HVLIT (p = 0.045) and HFT (p = 0.02). The number of moderately negative responders was higher following HIIT (15.4%); and HFT (15.4%) than HVLIT (7.6%). The number of very positive responders was higher following HVLIT (38.5%) than HFT (23%) or HIIT (7.7%). 46% of the runners responded positively to two mesocycles, while 23% did not respond to any. Conclusion On a group level, none of the interventions altered $${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm submax}}$$ V ˙ O 2 submax , V2, V4 or TTE, while HVLIT and HFT improved $${\dot{\text V}}{\text O}_{2 {\rm peak}}$$ V ˙ O 2 peak . The mean adaptation index indicated similar numbers of positive, negative and non-responders to HIIT, HVLIT and HFT, but more very positive responders to HVLIT than HFT or HIIT. 46% responded positively to two mesocycles, while 23% did not respond to any. These findings indicate that the magnitude of responses to HIIT, HVLIT and HFT is highly individual and no pattern was apparent.

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Individualizing Training in Swimming: Evidence for Utilizing the Critical Speed and Critical Stroke Rate Concepts

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0546 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 617-624

Author(s):

Eva Piatrikova ◽

Nicholas J. Willsmer ◽

Ana C. Sousa ◽

Javier T. Gonzalez ◽

Sean Williams

Keyword(s):

Critical Speed ◽

Interval Training ◽

Stroke Index ◽

Stroke Rate ◽

Training Volume ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Stroke Length ◽

And Performance ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Peak Speed

Purpose: To monitor physiological, technical, and performance responses to individualized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescribed using the critical speed (CS) and critical stroke rate (CSR) concepts in swimmers completing a reduced training volume program (≤30 km·wk−1) for 15 weeks. Methods: Over the 15-week period, 12 highly trained swimmers (age 16 [1] y, height 179 [8] cm, weight 66 [8] kg) completed four 3-minute all-out tests to determine CS and the finite capacity to work above CS (D′), and four 200-m tests at CS to establish a CSR estimate. Combining CS and D′, 2 HIIT sessions designed as 5 × 3-minute intervals depleting 60% of D′ and 3 × 3.5-minute intervals depleting 80% of D′ were prescribed once per week, respectively. An additional HIIT session was prescribed using CS and CSR as 10 × 150 m or 200 m at CS with 2 cycles per minute lower stroke rate than the CSR estimate. Additional monitored variables included peak speed, average speed for 150 seconds (speed150s) and 180 seconds (speed180s), competition performance and stroke length (SL), stroke count (SC), and stroke index (SI) adopted at CS. Results: At the end of the intervention, swimmers demonstrated faster CS (mean change ± 90% confidence limits: +5.4 ± 1.6%), speed150s (+2.5 ± 0.9%), speed180s (+3.0 ± 0.9%), and higher stroke rate (+6.4 ± 3.0%) and stroke index (+4.2 ± 3.6%). D′ was reduced (−25.2 ± 7.5%), whereas peak speed, SL, and SC changed only trivially. The change in the swimmers’ personal best times in the first and second main event was −1.2 ± 1.3% and −1.6 ± 0.9%, respectively. Conclusion: HIIT prescribed based on the CS and CSR concepts was associated with improvements in several physiological, technical, and performance parameters in highly trained swimmers while utilizing time- and resource-efficient approach. This was achieved despite a ≥25% reduction in training volume.

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Physiological and performance responses to high-intensity interval training in female inline speed skaters

Apunts Medicina de l Esport ◽

10.1016/j.apunts.2017.06.003 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (196) ◽

pp. 131-138 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sara Fereshtian ◽

Mohsen Sheykhlouvand ◽

Scott Forbes ◽

Hamid Agha-Alinejad ◽

Mohammadali Gharaat

Keyword(s):

High Intensity ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

And Performance ◽

High Intensity Interval

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The Investigation of the Physical and Performance Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HITT) on Sedentary University Students

International Education Studies ◽

10.5539/ies.v13n7p57 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 57

Author(s):

Ali Erdem Cigerci ◽

Harun Genc

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

High Intensity ◽

Interval Training ◽

Performance Characteristics ◽

Performance Parameters ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Bonferroni Test ◽

And Performance ◽

High Intensity Interval

The aim of this study was to examine the physical and selected performance characteristics of 9-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on sedentary university students. Participants were separated two groups as HIIT and control group (CG). HIIT group applied training 3 times a week for 9 weeks. CG was not applied any training. Before and after HIIT training program, the subjects were applied to age, height, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) tests for physical parameters and standing long jump (SLJ), vertical jump (VJ), 10-20 m sprint, T agility test (TAT), star excursion balance test (SEBT), running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) for performance parameters. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze of inter-group, intra group and the effect of training in repeated measurements. Bonferroni test was used for Post Hoc comparisons; the significance level was accepted as 0.05. There was a significant difference in BW, BMI and all performance parameters in favor of HIIT group. HIIT provided effective development to physical and performance characteristics of university students.

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High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Lipocalin-2 and Omentin-1 Levels in Men with Obesity

10.21203/rs.3.rs-254389/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sirvan Atashak ◽

Stephen R. Stannard ◽

Ali Daraei ◽

Mohammad Soltani ◽

Ayoub Saeidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Intensity ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Interval Training ◽

Lipocalin 2 ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Before And After ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

And Control

Abstract Objectives: We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on selected circulating adipokines and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risks factors in males with obesity. Methods: Thirty males with obesity were randomly assigned to HIIT and control groups. The HIIT group participated in a prescribed exercise program for 12 weeks, three times per week. Blood lipids, insulin resistance, and select serum adipokines were assessed before and after 12 weeks of the intervention period. Results: HIIT improved body composition and lipid profiles (p<0.05) as well as decreased fasting insulin levels (p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (p=0.002) levels. Furthermore, HIIT increased levels of lipocalin-2 (lcn2) (p=0.002) while decreasing omentin-1 levels (p=0.001) in males with obesity. Changes in lcn2 and omentin-1 concentrations correlated with the changes in risk factors in the HIIT group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that 12 weeks of supervised HIIT exercise significantly improves both circulating concentrations of lcn2 and omentin-1, two recently described adipokines, and markers of CVD risk in males with obesity. Further research is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms involved with these changes.

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