Testing the efficacy of high intensity interval training (HIIT), as compared to current research supporting moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), as a means to improve cardiometabolic health after spinal cord injury.
This study aims to challenge the effectiveness of the current aerobic exercise recommendations for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Currently, moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) is suggested however this study intends to explore the effectiveness of high intensity interval training (HIIT). To do so, approximately 8 individuals with SCI will be undergo a 6 week HIIT intervention consisting of 3 sessions per week. With a focus on cardiometabolic health markers (listed in outcome measure section), we aim to provide support for HIIT as a viable method of mitigating cardiovascular risk in a SCI population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
8
Participants assigned to this group will perform a very mild 5-minute warm-up (0 resistance, and 60 rpm), followed by 5 one-minute bouts of high intensity exercise, with 90 seconds between each bout. These bouts will be followed by a 3-minute cool down (0 resistance, and 60 rpm). The high-intensity exercise will be performed at an intensity of 17 on the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale (very hard), and the 90 second active rest intervals will be performed at an intensity of 7-9 (very, very light - very light). The exercise will be performed on the NuStep machine 3 times a week for 6 weeks.
Brock University
Saint Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Waist circumference (inches)
Central adiposity will be measured by tape measure to monitor possible weight loss
Time frame: 6 weeks
Cholesterol
Total and HDL cholesterol will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Triglycerides
Triglycerides will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Glycated hemoglobin will be measured in whole blood as an indicator of diabetic risk
Time frame: 6 weeks
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a)
TNF-a will be used as an inflammatory representative and will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Interleukin - 10 (IL-10)
IL-10 will will be used as an anti-inflammatory representative and will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pulse Wave Velocity
Arterial stiffness, a common measure for cardiac risk will be measured
Time frame: 6 weeks
Blood pressure
Measured through a digital cuff, the focus will be on both systolic and diastolic
Time frame: 6 weeks
Peak Oxygen Consumption (VO2 peak)
VO2 peak will be measured by a Moxus metabolic cart to determine changes in fitness
Time frame: 6 weeks
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C Reactive Protein (CRP)
CRP will will be used as an inflammatory representative and will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Leptin
Leptin will will be used as a body fat representative and will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Adiponectin
Adiponectin will will be used as a surrogate for insulin resistance and will be measured in serum
Time frame: 6 weeks
Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES)
All participants will complete the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) to indicate enjoyment of HIIT. With a total of 18 questions, options 1 through 7 going from a positive to a negative overall experience with the HIIT protocol will be documented.
Time frame: 6 weeks