Short-term sprint interval training increases insulin sensitivity in healthy adults but does not affect the thermogenic response to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Sprint interval training (SIT) and traditional endurance training elicit similar physiological adaptations. From the perspective of metabolic function, superior glucose regulation is a common characteristic of endurance-trained adults. Accordingly, we have investigated the hypothesis that short-term SIT will increase insulin sensitivity in sedentary/recreationally active humans. Thirty one healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) SIT (n = 12): six sessions of repeated (4-7) 30 s bouts of very high-intensity cycle ergometer exercise over 14 days; (2) sedentary control (n = 10); (3) single-bout SIT (n = 9): one session of 4 x 30 s cycle ergometer sprints. Insulin sensitivity was determined (hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp) prior to and 72 h following each intervention. Compared with baseline, and sedentary and single-bout controls, SIT increased insulin sensitivity (glucose infusion rate: 6.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 8.0 +/- 0.8 mg kg(1) min(1); mean +/- s.e.m.; P = 0.04). In a separate study, we investigated the effect of SIT on the thermogenic response to beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation, an important determinant of energy balance. Compared with baseline, and sedentary and single-bout control groups, SIT did not affect resting energy expenditure (EE: ventilated hood technique; 6274 +/- 226 vs. 6079 +/- 297 kJ day(1); P = 0.51) or the thermogenic response to isoproterenol (6, 12 and 24 ng (kg fat-free mass)(1) min(1): %EE 11 +/- 2, 14 +/- 3, 23 +/- 2 vs. 11 +/- 1, 16 +/- 2, 25 +/- 3; P = 0.79). Combined data from both studies revealed no effect of SIT on fasted circulating concentrations of glucose, insulin, adiponectin, pigment epithelial-derived factor, non-esterified fatty acids or noradrenaline (all P > 0.05). Sixteen minutes of high-intensity exercise over 14 days augments insulin sensitivity but does not affect the thermogenic response to beta-AR stimulation.
Richards
Jennifer C
JC
Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1582, USA.
Johnson
Tyler K
TK
Kuzma
Jessica N
JN
Lonac
Mark C
MC
Schweder
Melani M
MM
Voyles
Wyatt F
WF
Bell
Christopher
C
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D007545:Isoproterenol