title: The Effect of Low Volume Interval Training on Resting Blood Pressure in Pre-hypertensive Subjects: A Preliminary Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Clinically pre-hypertensive adults are at a greater risk of developing hypertension, stiffened arteries, and other cardiovascular risks. Endurance exercise training has been shown to improve elevated resting blood pressure and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, a primary barrier preventing individuals from engaging in regular physical activity is a lack of time. The purpose of our study was to determine if a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol would be as effective as continuous aerobic endurance training (ET) on resting blood pressure in pre-hypertensive participants. Additionally, this study investigated the effects of HIIT vs. ET on CRP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve pre-hypertensive participants (33.3±6.1 yrs; 3M/9W) participated in 8 weeks of cycle ergometer exercise training. The ET exercised for 30 continuous min/day, 4 days/week at 40% VO2max reserve. The HIIT exercised at a 1:1 work-to-rest for 20 min/day, 3 days/week at 60% peak power. Resting mean arterial pressure and CRP were compared throughout the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups showed decreases (p<0.001) in mean arterial pressure (ET: -11.5 ± 5.9 mmHg; HIIT: -8.6 ± 4.8 mmHg) following the 8 weeks. For CRP, there was a significant decrease (p=0.014) as a main effect of time. VO2max increased (p<0.001) approximately 25% for both HIIT and ET.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary data suggest HIIT and ET similarly decreased resting blood pressure and increased VO2max.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Skutnik
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Joshua R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Ariel M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kurti
authors.affiliation: a Department of Kinesiology , Kansas State University , Manhattan , KS , USA.
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Harms
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D058246:Prehypertension / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012146:Rest
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein
keywords: HIIT; High-intensity interval training; aerobic capacity; blood pressure; exercise training; pre-hypertension