Effects of low and high intensity interval training exercises on VO(2max) and components of neuromuscular and vascular system in male volunteers

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of different intensity exercises on maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max) and levels of components, namely brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrKB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC-1α), and irisin. METHODS: Thirty-six male participants were divided into control (CNT), low-intensity (LIIT), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) groups. LIIT and HIIT groups consisted of 8 exercises (20 s work and rest in each repetition, respectively) conducted for 4 weeks. VO(2max) and protein component levels were determined pre- and post-training. VO(2max) capacity was also determined using the Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-1 (Yo Yo IR-1). Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significance of the differences observed. RESULTS: According to the YoYo IR-1, VO(2max), serum BDNF, VEGF, PGC1α, irisin, and TrkB data obtained in the study, a statistically significant difference between the groups was observed (p<0.05). While the interaction effect was found to be statistically significant in the study using PGC1α, VEGF, and TrkB data (p<0.05), it was not found to be statistically significant using YoYo IR-1, VO(2max), serum BDNF, or irisin data (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: HIIT and LIIT improved all study parameters, while HIIT showed a greater effect than LIIT.