BackgroundAerobic interval exercise training has greater benefits on cardiovascular function
as compared with aerobic continuous exercise training. ObjectiveThe present study aimed at analyzing the effects of both exercise modalities on
acute and subacute hemodynamic responses of healthy rats. MethodsThirty male rats were randomly assigned into three groups as follows: continuous
exercise (CE, n = 10); interval exercise (IE, n = 10); and control (C, n = 10).
Both IE and CE groups performed a 30-minute exercise session. The IE group session
consisted of three successive 4-minute periods at 60% of maximal velocity (Max
Vel), with 4-minute recovery intervals at 40% of Max Vel. The CE group ran
continuously at 50% of Max Vel. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure(BP), and rate
pressure product (RPP) were measured before, during and after the exercise
session. ResultsThe CE and IE groups showed an increase in systolic BP and RPP during exercise as
compared with the baseline values. After the end of exercise, the CE group showed
a lower response of systolic BP and RPP as compared with the baseline values,
while the IE group showed lower systolic BP and mean BP values. However, only the
IE group had a lower response of HR and RPP during recovery. ConclusionIn healthy rats, one interval exercise session, as compared with continuous
exercise, induced similar hemodynamic responses during exercise. However, during
recovery, the interval exercise caused greater reductions in cardiac workload than
the continuous exercise.