Training, detraining and retraining effects of moderate vs. high intensity exercise training programme on cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of 12 weeks of training, 7 weeks of detraining and 16 weeks of retraining using a moderate or high intensity training programme on cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients. METHOD: Thirty-four patients took part in the study. The intensity training was 80–90% of maximum heart rate for the high-intensity training (HIT) group (n = 15) and at 50–70% of maximum heart rate for the moderate training (MT) group (n = 19). Blood pressure, body composition, lipid profile, fasting glucose, strength and cardiovascular fitness were analysed. RESULTS: The first training period did not decrease blood pressure, but the second training period saw significant decreases in blood pressures in HIT group. Moreover, 12 weeks of MT or HIT did not decrease body mass, body mass index or fat mass. However, after 7 weeks of detraining, the inclusion of a second training period using HIT saw decreases in these body composition variables. Both training periods and intensities improved high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein, but only HIT decreased total cholesterol. In addition, after 7 weeks of detraining, the lipid profile variables returned to baseline values. Additionally, 16 weeks of retraining with HIT or MT decreased blood glucose significantly. Moreover, MT and HIT training programmes in both periods improved cardiorespiratory fitness, but with 7 weeks of detraining, it returned to baseline values. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated the effectiveness of the inclusion of a MT or HIT programme as adjuvant therapy in hypertensive patients.