Effects of Controlled Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Global Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Umeå HIT Study-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Emma Simonsson; Sofi Levik Sandström; Mattias Hedlund; Henrik Holmberg; Bengt Johansson; Nina Lindelöf; Carl-Johan Boraxbekk; Erik Rosendahl

doi:10.1093/gerona/glad070

Effects of Controlled Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Global Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Umeå HIT Study-A Randomized Controlled Trial

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2023 Aug 27;78(9):1581-1590. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glad070.

Authors

Emma Simonsson¹, Sofi Levik Sandström², Mattias Hedlund¹, Henrik Holmberg³, Bengt Johansson⁴, Nina Lindelöf¹, Carl-Johan Boraxbekk^{2

5

6

7}, Erik Rosendahl¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
² Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
³ Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
⁴ Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
⁵ Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.
⁶ Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
⁷ Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen (ISMC) and Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract

Background: This study examined the effects of regulated and controlled supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIT) adapted for older adults, compared to moderate-intensity training (MIT), on cardiorespiratory fitness; cognitive, cardiovascular, and muscular function; and quality of life.

Methods: Sixty-eight nonexercising older adults (66-79 years, 44% males) were randomized to 3 months of twice-weekly HIT (20-minute session including 10 × 6-second intervals) or MIT (40-minute session including 3 × 8-minute intervals) on stationary bicycles in an ordinary gym setting. Individualized target intensity was watt controlled with a standardized pedaling cadence and individual adjustment of the resistance load. Primary outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak) and global cognitive function (unit-weighted composite).

Results: V̇o2peak increased significantly (mean 1.38 mL/kg/min, 95% CI [0.77, 1.98]), with no between-group difference (mean difference 0.05 [-1.17, 1.25]). Global cognition did not improve (0.02 [-0.05, 0.09]), nor differed between groups (0.11 [-0.03, 0.24]). Significant between-group differences in change were observed for working memory (0.32 [0.01, 0.64]), and maximal isometric knee extensor muscle strength (0.07 N·m/kg [0.003, 0.137]), both in favor of HIT. Irrespective of the group, there was a negative change in episodic memory (-0.15 [-0.28, -0.02]), a positive change in visuospatial ability (0.26 [0.08, 0.44]), and a decrease in systolic (-2.09 mmHg [-3.54, -0.64]) and diastolic (-1.27 mmHg [-2.31, -0.25]) blood pressure.

Conclusions: In nonexercising older adults, 3 months of watt-controlled supramaximal HIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular function to a similar extent as MIT, despite half the training time. In favor of HIT, there was an improvement in muscular function and a potential domain-specific effect on working memory.

Clinical trial registration: NCT03765385.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity; HIIT; Moderate-intensity training; SIT; Sprint interval training.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
Cognition
Female
High-Intensity Interval Training*
Humans
Male
Quality of Life

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03765385