Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Aerobic Training on Health-Fitness, Health Related Quality of Life, and Psychological Measures in College-Aged Smokers

Abstract

The study examined the effects of exercise on health-fitness, health related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological measures in college-aged smokers. Outcomes included HRQOL, hemodynamic, anthropometric, lung function, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Sixty physically inactive college-aged male smokers (18–30 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous aerobic training (CAT), and a control (CON). Both HIIT and CAT groups completed 8 weeks of non-consecutive cycling sessions thrice weekly. The CON group were not subjected to the exercise intervention. Sixty participants met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 48 (HIIT: n = 18, CAT: n = 16, CON: n = 14) participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Compared to CON, HIIT significantly (p = 0.01) improved forced expiratory flow (FEF_75%) more than the CAT group (p = 0.29). HIIT provided a significant (p = 0.04) improvement in FEF_75% compared to CAT. Recovery heart rate (RHR) was significantly improved in participants assigned to HIIT (p = 0.00) and CAT (p = 0.002) groups compared with the CON. A significant difference in RHR was found in HIIT compared to CAT. The study findings indicate that both HIIT and CAT exercise interventions significantly improve markers of lung function and cardiorespiratory endurance, respectively. However, findings suggested that HIIT should be the preferred form of exercise regime among college-aged smokers for more significant, healthier benefits.

The Need for Indigenous Games to Combat Noncommunicable Diseases in South Africa: A Narrative Review

“…As part of the risk factors, tobacco use and in particular, cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [9,[18][19][20]. Studies have reported that in 2030, smoking rate will approximately increase by 80% of the current total population of smokers with significant contribution predominantly by college-aged smokers in rural areas [9,19,20]. Smoking results in multiple alterations on the performance of the cardiovascular system [9].…”

“…Studies have reported that in 2030, smoking rate will approximately increase by 80% of the current total population of smokers with significant contribution predominantly by college-aged smokers in rural areas [9,19,20]. Smoking results in multiple alterations on the performance of the cardiovascular system [9]. For instance, a toxic chemical released during cigarette smoking called nicotine causes catecholamine release which triggers an increase in the heart rate, Blood Pressure (BP) and cardiac output (Q) [9,[19][20][21].…”

“…Moreover, the limited number of healthcare professionals in the area means that individuals may have to travel long distances to receive necessary medical care, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment [8]. This lack of access exacerbates the health disparities faced by rural communities [9] and underscores the urgency for targeted interventions that aim to improve healthcare access and outcomes in these areas [10].…”

Implementation of a Community-Based Mind–Body (Tae-Bo) Physical Activity Programme on Health-Related Physical Fitness in Rural Black Overweight and Obese Women with Manifest Risk Factors for Multimorbidity

“…This programme followed a sequential style to implementation whereby clusters of participants began the programme in multiple phases following appropriately sensitive and cost-effective screening assessing the health-related physical fitness parameters of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular fitness (including muscular endurance and muscular strength), body composition, flexibility, and balance [24]. Re-assessment of these parameters took place mid-programme and at completion of the programme.…”

Physical Activity and Health Promotion: A Public Health Imperative

“…Research in the physical activity adherence has resulted in the recognition of several methods to influence an uptake of physical activity at the individual level [38]. However, the considerable prevalence of inactivity across most sectors of the global population necessitates higher-level approaches to physical activity promotion that include environmental, organisational, and policy-level strategies.…”