The guidelines for cardiovascular exercise intensity are not clear with respect to the optimal training protocols to reduce cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) as well as to enhance strength. At this time, it is impossible to deduce the independent effects of vigorous-intensity exercise from past studies as the volume of either physical activity duration or energy expended differed in comparison to moderate-intensity exercise. Our goal was to augment the literature focused on the potential benefits of high intensity training with novel methodology that includes trained adults in a group fitness environment. Vigorous intensity training may be a critical component of the physical activity prescription if active adults demonstrate decreases in CVD risk factors and increases in strength. We hypothesize that a 6-week high intensity group fitness intervention will produce beneficial effects on CVD risk factors by reducing body mass, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride concentration, and by enhancing lean body mass percentage, HDL-C, glucose tolerance, and maximal oxygen consumption as well as both upper and lower body strength. Eighty-four healthy adults, 50 women and 34 men, completed the 6-week intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups; the first was a high intensity interval-training (GRIT) program, while the second was a moderate intensity-training (FIT) program. All participants completed 5 hours of fitness classes per week. We collected musculoskeletal and physiological data at the start and finish of the study. In support of our hypotheses, the GRIT group significantly reduced body mass, triglyceride concentration and enhanced lean body percentage, glucose tolerance, and maximal oxygen consumption in addition to all of the strength measures. These results illustrate a novel finding that individuals who already participate in the recommended physical activity guidelines can improve their health, fitness and strength with the addition of 2, 30-minute sessions of high intensity interval training per week.
In the past 5 years, 1 of every 3 deaths in the United States was attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which equates to 2200 Americans each day or 1 death every 30 seconds [
Unfortunately, due to lack of data, the present recommendation for cardiovascular exercise is not straightfor- ward. Recently, the American College of Sports Medicine published a position stand to provide guidance to professionals who prescribe exercise programs with a focus on how to reduce CVD risk factors [
Multiple groups have published promising results that vigorous-intensity training results in greater improve- ments in individual cardiovascular disease risk factors than moderate-intensity in adults who were not active before the beginning of the intervention. For instance, VO2 max increased and plasma lipids decreased after high intensity interval training compared to low intensity aerobic exercise [
These classic high intensity interval training studies, as well as thorough subsequent studies, have provided overwhelming evidence that vigorous intensity training significantly lowers CVD risk factors in sedentary adults [
Eighty-four healthy adults (age 38.8 ± 11.8 yrs, height 1.7 ± 0.1 m), 50 women and 34 men, completed the 6-week intervention (
. Participant (n = 84) characteristics at initial measurement; mean (standard deviation)
FIT | GRIT | |
---|---|---|
Age (yr) | 39.3 (11.7) | 38.3 (10.6) |
Height (cm) | 169.8 (10.0) | 170.0 (11.1) |
chest discomfort with exertion, unreasonable shortness of breath, symptoms of dizziness, fainting or blackouts, heart medication, asthma or other lung disease, burning or cramping sensations in lower legs with minimal physical activity, joint problems that limit physical activity, prescription medications, pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg, or total blood cholesterol greater than 220 mg·dL−1.
We collected musculoskeletal and physiological data at the start (Week 0) and finish (Week 7) of the study. Blood was drawn from a finger prick after a 48-hour alcohol and a 12-hour food as well as exercise fast. The samples were assayed for total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose. Body composition was calculated using the US Navy Method with circumference measurements of the waist, neck, and hips (women only). We also conducted a submaximal oxygen consumption test using the Queens College Step Test. Finally we completed upper body, back, and leg strength tests with a maximal number of push-ups in one-minute test in addition to deadlift and squat isometric dynamometer tests.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups; the first was a high intensity interval-training (GRIT) program, while the second was a moderate intensity-training (FIT) program. All participants completed 5 hours of fitness classes per week; GRIT = 2 high intensity classes (LES MILLS GRIT™), 2 cardiorespiratory classes, and 2 strength classes and FIT = 3 cardiorespiratory classes and 2 strength classes. The participants completed Les Mills™ instructed group fitness classes at The North Club in State College, Pennsylvania. Each class was offered nearly every day of the week with classes beginning at 5:45 am until 6:45 pm allowing each participant to create an individual exercise schedule on a weekly basis. The participants independently selected their cardi- orespiratory classes on a weekly basis from BODYATTACK™ (sports-inspired intervals), BODYCOMBAT™ (mixed martial arts), BODYSTEP™ (height-adjustable bench) and RPM™ (indoor cycling). The muscular strength class, BODYPUMP™ incorporates a barbell as well as free weights. The high intensity interval training class, LES MILLS GRIT™ series is a 30-minute strength and plyometric workout. Finally, the participants were asked not to alter their daily diet habits and recorded their nutritional intake 2 days per week to determine if diet was altered, particularly for the participants that altered their physical fitness routine by adding vigorous intensity.
We evaluated between- and within-group data with a two-factor mixed ANOVA design and with a one-way, re- peated measures ANOVA. When a significant interaction was detected, data were subsequently analyzed using a Newman-Keuls post hoc test with significance defined at p < 0.05. Data are presented at mean ± standard devia- tion.
In support of our hypotheses, the high intensity interval, group fitness training program significantly reduced body fat mass, triglyceride concentration and enhanced lean body percentage, glucose tolerance, and maximal oxygen consumption as well as all of the strength measures. However, there were no statistical differences in any of the cholesterol measurements. To add, the compliance rate was 97.7% for the GRIT group and 98.7% for the FIT group, illustrating that there were less than 30 workouts missed out of the 2772 prescribed sessions.
Body composition was significantly less for the GRIT group after the participants completed the high intensi- ty interval classes (
Mean ± standard deviation for the initial and final measurements of body fat percent calculations for the FIT and GRIT groups. The asterisk indicates a signif- icant difference (p < 0.05) between the initial and final measurements. The bar at the top of the figure illustrates the category and range for each variable
ticipants (p < 0.05) and an insignificant 0.4 kg for the FIT participants. Similarly, the GRIT group demonstrated a reduction in body fat of 2.0% (p = 0.01) while there was no significant change in the FIT group.
With respect to blood profile, there were no significant differences between the initial and final measurements for the FIT group, but the GRIT group showed reductions in both fasting blood glucose and triglyceride concen- tration (
There were also numerous statistically significant differences between the initial and final strength and fitness measurements of the GRIT group that exceeded the results of the FIT group (
The current ACSM physical activity guidelines suggest that moderate activity can be substituted or replaced with vigorous activity. The current study is one of the first to demonstrate the beneficial effects of high intensity training in individuals who meet the moderate activity guidelines. To add, the volume of exercise in our inter- vention groups was equal, which amplifies the findings on how intensity influences health and fitness. Finally, the current study also enhances the generalizability of the methods in that we utilized group fitness as the exer- cise model. The participants selected the cardiovascular classes that fit their schedule as well as their individual preference whereas previous studies utilized a treadmill or a cycle ergometer. These past methods were also completed in a controlled laboratory setting. In short, our protocol aids in refining the exercise prescription, de- monstrates the benefits of high intensity interval training in a healthy population and utilizes methods that can be performed outside a research environment.
In support of our hypothesis, the six-week intervention successfully influenced numerous variables related to cardiovascular disease and are comparable to numerous studies referenced in a recent meta-analysis by Kessler
Mean ± standard deviation for the initial and final measurements of triglyce- rides for the FIT and GRIT groups. The asterisk indicates a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the initial and final measurements. The bar at the top of the figure illu- strates the category and range for each variable
Mean ± standard deviation for the initial and final measurements of glucose for the FIT and GRIT groups. The asterisk indicates a significant difference (p < 0.05) be- tween the initial and final measurements of the individual group. The bar at the top of the figure illustrates the category and range for each variable
. Strength variables; mean (standard deviation)
FIT initial | FIT final | GRIT initial | GRIT final | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Leg (kg) | 79.9 (39.5) | 84.4 (41.9) | 77.3 (38.6) | 89.4 (44.6) |
Back (kg) | 77.8 (36.6) | 84.3 (39.5) | 74.6 (35.3) | 90.9 (43.5) |
Upper Body (kg) | 35.7 (8.8) | 38.2 (7.4) | 37.4 (7.6) | 44.8 (8.7) |
Mean ± standard deviation for the initial and final measurements of oxygen consumption for the FIT and GRIT groups. The double asterisk indicates a significant difference (p < 0.01) between measurements of the individual group. The bar at the top of the figure illustrates the category and range for each variable
et al. [
Interestingly, in contrast to referenced studies, but in agreement with our hypothesis, our 6-week protocol caused a clinically significant near 17% reduction in triglycerides despite the fact that the baseline values were not above normal. Moreira et al. [
The incorporation of moderate intensity strength exercises in the FIT and GRIT protocols as well as the high intensity strength exercises in the GRIT protocol prompted us to measure upper body, back, and leg strength. These variables are rare, if ever, incorporated into past research since previous methodology is typically per- formed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer where strength gains would not be assumed. We documented signifi- cant upper body and back strength gains. The FIT and GRIT protocols utilized similar exercises such as push-up and clean and press variations, however the interval based protocol possibly enabled the participants to extend their range of motion and lift larger mass due to the rest periods, which led to the significant increases in strength.
These results illustrate a novel finding that individuals who already participate in the recommended physical activity guidelines can improve their health, fitness and strength with the addition of 2, 30-minute sessions of high intensity interval training per week. Our intervention was effective in reducing body fat mass and triglyce- ride concentration and enhancing lean body mass, glucose tolerance, cardiovascular fitness, and strength.
We thank The Athletic Club of State College for providing complimentary memberships. We also want to rec- ognize the dedicated participants, their work created these impressive results. Finally, the study would not be possible without the elite North Club instructor team and the dedicated Pennsylvania State University kinesiol- ogy student assistants.
While Les Mills International was supportive of the present study they did not have access to the data for ana- lyses.