Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Training on Cardiometabolic Health Markers in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2019 · DOI: 10.1310/sci19-00042 · Published: May 16, 2019

Cardiovascular Science Neurorehabilitation Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is as effective as moderate-intensity training (MIT) for improving cardiometabolic health in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by recovery periods, while MIT involves sustained moderate effort. The researchers compared six weeks of HIIT to six weeks of MIT using arm crank exercises. They measured things like body composition, cardiovascular fitness, glucose tolerance, blood lipids, and blood pressure before and after the training. The results showed that both HIIT and MIT improved insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular strength in individuals with SCI. However, MIT led to greater improvements in arm fat percentage and chest press strength.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

7 individuals with longstanding SCI (6 male, 1 female)

Evidence Level

Pilot study, Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
Both HIIT and MIT improved insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular strength in individuals with SCI.
2
MIT led to greater improvements in arm fat percent compared to HIIT.
3
MIT led to greater improvements in chest press strength compared to HIIT.

Research Summary

This pilot study compared the effects of 6 weeks of low-volume HIIT versus MIT using arm crank ergometer exercise to improve cardiometabolic health markers in individuals with longstanding SCI. The preliminary findings demonstrated that both HIIT and MIT displayed improvements in insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness, and muscular strength. MIT led to greater improvements in arm fat percent and chest press strength compared to HIIT. No differences between MIT and HIIT were observed.

Practical Implications

Exercise Recommendations

Both HIIT and MIT can be effective exercise strategies for improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with SCI.

Time Efficiency

HIIT offers a time-efficient alternative to MIT, requiring less overall time commitment while still providing similar benefits.

Personalized Exercise

Exercise prescriptions should consider individual preferences and goals, as MIT may be more effective for improving arm fat and chest press strength.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
2
Lack of control for potential dietary differences between participants.
3
Short training duration (6 weeks) may not be sufficient to observe significant changes in body composition.

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