Abstract

Background: Exercise training induces favorable changes in endothelial dysfunction (EDys) and improves hypertension (HTN); however, there is a scarcity of knowledge about short-term concurrent training using high-intensity interval and resistance training (CTHIIT+RT) on both average (cIMT(av)) and maximum (cIMT(max)) carotid intima-media thickness. Aim: To determine the effects of six-weeks of CT(HIIT+RT )on cIMT(av), and cIMT(max) in adults with HTN. A secondary aim was to determine the CT(HIIT+RT )effects on blood pressure and body composition. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial in adults distributed by blood pressure categorization to 6 groups: HTN (CG-HTN, n=10) elevated BP (CG-Ele, n=10), normotensive control group (CG-NT, n=10), exercise HTN (EG-HTN, n=10), elevated BP (EG-Ele, n=10), or to normotensive exercise group (EG-NT, n=10). Participants underwent 6-weeks of 10 min per session of CTHIIT+RT (3week(-1)). Before and after training cIMT(av), and cIMT(max), systolic/diastolic (SBP/DBP) blood pressure, and body composition outcomes were measured. Results: There were significant decreases from pre to post-test in cIMT(max) in EG-HTN (Delta-0,10 cm, p<0,05), and in EG-Ele group (Delta-0,30 cm, p<0,0001). Other significant modifications included reductions of SBP in EG-HTN (Delta-19 mmHg), EG-Ele (Delta-11 mmHg), and EG-NT group (Delta-8 mmHg, all p<0,0001); DBP in EG-HTN (Delta-9 mmHg), EG-Ele (Delta-8 mmHg, both p<0,0001), and EG-NT group (Delta-4 mmHg, p<0,05); waist circumference in EG-HTN (Delta-4,3 cm, p<0,001), and EG-Ele groups (Delta-4,0 cm, p<0,05), body fat in % EG-HTN (Delta-1,9 %, p<0,05), and body fat in kg in EG-HTN group (Delta-7,0 kg, p<0,05). Conclusion: Six weeks of CT(HIIT+RT )decreased cIMT(max) but not cIMT(av) in HTN adults. These results were displayed with additional SBP/DBP remission in the hypertensive participants, accompanied of reductions of body fat.