High intensity interval training is associated with

J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 2018; 18(2):215-226

Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions

Original Article

High intensity interval training is associated with greater impact on physical fitness, insulin sensitivity and muscle mitochondrial content in males with overweight/obesity, as opposed to continuous endurance training: a randomized controlled trial Dorien De Strijcker1, Bruno Lapauw2, D. Margriet Ouwens2,3, Dominique Van de Velde1, Dominique Hansen4, Mirko Petrovic5, Claude Cuvelier6, Cajsa Tonoli1, Patrick Calders1 Ghent University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy; 2Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, section of Endocrinology; 3German Diabetes Centre, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Centre; 4Hasselt University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy; 5Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine, section of Geriatrics; 6Ghent University, Department of Pathology 1

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the effect of high intensity training (HIT) on physical fitness, basal respiratory exchange ratio (bRER), insulin sensitivity and muscle histology in overweight/obese men compared to continuous aerobic training (CAT). Material and methods: 16 male participants with overweight/obesity (age: 42-57 years, body mass index: 28-36 kg/m2) were randomized to HIT (n=8) or CAT (n=8) for 10 weeks, twice a week. HIT was composed of 10 minutes high intensity, 10 minutes continuous aerobic, 10 minutes high intensity exercises. CAT was composed of three times 10 minutes continuous exercising. Changes in anthropometry, physical and metabolic fitness were evaluated. Muscle histology (mitochondria and lipid content) was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: HIT showed a significant increase for peak VO2 (P=0.01), for insulin sensitivity (AUC glucose (P