Acute Effects of High-intensity Interval Aerobic and Functional Training at Different Intensities

ConditionsHigh Intensity Interval Training (Cycling)High Intensity Interval Training (Running)High Intensity Functional Training Moderate Intensity Functional Training High Intensity Traditional Strength Training Moderate Intensity Traditional Strength Training

Trial statusRecruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age18-100

SponsorEuropean University Miguel de Cervantes

About this trial

Moderate-intensity physical exercise is widely recognized for its health benefits, yet time constraints limit adherence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained popularity as a more time-efficient alternative, eliciting significant cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses. More recently, functional strength exercises have been integrated into high-intensity training, leading to high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and moderate-intensity functional training (MIFT). However, the acute physiological responses to these modalities remain underexplored compared to traditional HIIT (running or cycling) and strength training. This study aims to assess and compare the acute cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses of HIFT, MIFT, HIIT, and traditional strength training in healthy, physically active adults to inform their potential application in special populations.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Be 18 years of age or older.

Have at least 6 months of experience in strength training with intensities greater than 75% of one maximum repetition (1-RM).

Be classified as active according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) score.

Disqualifiers

Musculoskeletal injury within the 6 months prior to the first visit to the laboratory.

Recent major surgery (<3 months).

Having a medical condition in which physical activity is contraindicated (assessed with the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PAR-Q+).

Trial design

Design model

Crossover

Treatments tested in this trial

High-intensity interval training, running
Other intervention
Six sets of 2-minute runs will be performed at an intensity of 90-95% of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) on a treadmill. The recovery between each set will be 2 minutes, during which the subject will walk at an intensity of 50-60% of MAS.
High-intensity interval training, cycling
Other intervention
Six sets of 2-minute cycling will be performed at an intensity of 90-95% of the maximal heart rate on a stationary bike. The recovery between each set will be 2 minutes, during which the subject will cycle at an intensity of 50-60% of maximal heart rate.
High-intensity functional training
Other intervention
Three sets of six repetitions will be performed at 80% of the one repetition-maximum (1-RM) for six exercises. The recovery between exercises will be the minimum time required to switch from one exercise to the next, and between sets, it will be two minutes. Participants will be instructed to move the load as quickly as possible during each repetition.
Moderate-intensity functional training
Other intervention
Three sets of six repetitions will be performed at 60% of the 1-RM for six exercises. The recovery between exercises will be the minimum time required to switch from one exercise to the next, and between sets, it will be two minutes. Participants will be instructed to move the load as quickly as possible during each repetition.
Moderate intensity traditional strength training
Other intervention
Three sets of six repetitions will be performed at 60% of the 1-RM for six exercises. The recovery after each set will be two minutes of passive rest. Participants will be instructed to move the load as quickly as possible during each repetition.
High intensity traditional strength training
Other intervention
Three sets of six repetitions will be performed at 80% of the 1-RM for six exercises. The recovery after each set will be two minutes of passive rest. Participants will be instructed to move the load as quickly as possible during each repetition.

Treatment groups

27 Participants

are divided into 6 treatment groups

Treatment groups

See each treatment group below.

Group A: High-intensity interval training (running)Experimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: High-intensity interval training (cycling)Experimental treatment 1 intervention

Group C: High-intensity functional trainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group D: Moderate-intensity functional trainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group E: High-intensity traditional trainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group F: Moderate-intensity traditional trainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Heart rate variability

The heart rate variability (HRV) of the participants will be assessed by monitoring their heart rate, which reflects the variation in the intervals between heartbeats (R-R intervals). This measure is a useful tool in monitoring patient health, as it estimates the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system. To evaluate heart rate variability, a Polar H10 heart rate monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) and a mobile application, specifically Elite HRV, will be used. Heart rate variability will be monitored daily during the week leading up to the initial assessment visits. Participants will be instructed to take the measurement for the first 5 minutes upon waking and while fasting. Subsequently, heart rate variability will be assessed immediately before each training condition, as well as immediately after, at 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after finishing each training condition.

Time frame

Week 0 (baseline), Weeks 1-4 (during intervention and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention)

Secondary outcomes

Post-exercise oxygen debt

The oxygen debt (EPOC) will be calculated every minute during the 12 minutes following the completion of exercise using the following formula: EPOC (L·min-¹) = oxygen consumption (VO2) post-exercise (L·min-¹) - VO2 at rest (L·min-¹). Subsequently, EPOC will be converted into energy expenditure, using the conversion of 1L of O2 = 4.64 kcal, to exclude the rapid glycolytic resynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as part of the conversion of O2 consumption into energy expenditure (EE).

Time frame

Weeks 2-4 (after every intervention session)

Delayed onset muscle soreness

This will be recorded using a visual analog scale, with a score ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), immediately after the exercise and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after completing the training session. To quantify the pain and standardize the measurements, participants will be asked to perform 5 rapid repetitions of sitting down and standing up from a chair, as well as 5 rapid push-up repetitions, after which they will respond to the question, "How sore are your legs/arms?".

Time frame

Weeks 2-4 (24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention)

Satisfaction with the type of training

It will be evaluated at the end of each session using a numerical scale from 0 to 10, where the highest score indicates maximum satisfaction with the type of training.

Time frame

Weeks 2-4 (right after every intervention session and 24 hours post-intervention)

Subjective post-exercise fatigue

It will be measured using the perceived fatigue scale (ROF). This is a numerical scale that ranges from 0 (no fatigue) to 10 (total fatigue or exhaustion), with five descriptors and five diagrams to help the individual understand the scale and make an assessment. This evaluation will be conducted immediately after the exercise session and 24 hours after completion.

Time frame

Weeks 2-4 (right after every intervention session and 24 hours post-intervention)

Other outcomes

Physical activity levels

The physical activity levels of the participants will be evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). This questionnaire consists of 7 questions that will allow for the stratification of physical activity levels.

Time frame

Week 0 (baseline)

Cardiorespiratory fitness

The mean and peak values for gas exchange will be recorded in ml/kg·min. The gas analyzer used in this study is the Cortex Metalyzer 3B (Leipzig, Germany). Cardiorespiratory capacity will be determined using a maximum stress test: Incremental Ramp Exercise Test on Treadmill (H/P/Cosmos Pulsar, Southern, Germany): The test will begin with a 2-minute warm-up at 7 km/h and a 1% incline. Following this, the test will start at 9 km/h and will increase by 0.5 km/h each minute until exhaustion.

Time frame

Week 1 (baseline)

Cardiorespiratory fitness

The mean and peak values for gas exchange will be recorded in ml/kg·min. The gas analyzer used in this study is the Cortex Metalyzer 3B (Leipzig, Germany). Cardiorespiratory capacity will be determined using a maximum stress test: Incremental Ramp Exercise Test on Bicycle (Wattbike AtomX, Nottingham, England): The test will begin with a 2-minute warm-up at 100W. After this, the power will increase by 20W each minute until exhaustion, defined as the point at which the participant cannot maintain a cadence of ≥50 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Time frame

Week 1 (baseline)

1-RM detection

Each participant will perform the 1-RM test for each exercise, completing the full range of motion with a load approximately equal to 3-RM. The load will be increased by 10 kg if the participant is able to complete the repetition and decreased by 5 kg if they are unable to do so. The test will conclude when the participant is unable to lift a load in two consecutive attempts separated by 2 minutes.

Time frame

Week 1 (baseline)

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

European University Miguel de Cervantes

Lead sponsor

Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid

Collaborator

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

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