High-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training in the prevention/management of cardiovascular disease

Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) has long been considered the most effective exercise treatment modality for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, but more recently high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged into the clinical environment has been viewed as a potential alternative to MICT in accruing such benefits. HIIT was initially found to induce significant improvements in numerous physiological and health-related indices, to a similar if not superior extent to MICT. Since then, many studies have attempted to explore the potential clinical utility of HIIT, relative to MICT, with respect to treating numerous cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and hypertension. Despite this, however, the efficacy of HIIT compared to MICT with respect to in reversing the specific symptoms and risk factors of these cardiovascular pathologies for improved health and wellbeing as well as reduced morbidity and mortality is not well understood. In addition, HIIT is often perceived as very strenuous, which could potentially render it unsafe for those at risk of or afflicted with cardiovascular disease, but these issues are also yet to be reviewed. Furthermore, the optimal HIIT protocol for each of the cardiovascular disease cohorts has not been established. Thus, the purpose of this review article is to (i) evaluate the efficacy of HIIT relative to MICT in the prevention and management of cardiovascular conditions, and (ii) explore any potential safety issues surrounding the suitability and/or tolerability of HIIT for patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as the potential optimal prescriptive variables of HIIT for application in the clinical environment

Training techniques to improve cycling performance in well-trained cyclists

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Book Reviews

THE FRAENKEL SAGA* By Clam Friedman-Spits. Pp. 181. R160. SAMA Health and MedicalPublishing. 1998. ISBN 0 620-21236-5.FROM DATA TO DECISION MAKING IN HEALTH. THE EVOLUTION OF A HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM By Bruce Campbell, Sam Adjei, Arthur Heywood. Pp. 96. $14.95. Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) 1996. ISB 90-6832-096-3. SOUTH AFRICAN TRADITIONAL HEALERS' PRIMARY CARE HANDBOOK Compiled and edited 1Jy Taryl Felhaber and lsaac Mayeng. Pp. xviii + 248. Illustrated. R35. Kagiso. 1997. ISBN 0-620-21523-2CLINICS IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING By Wilfred CG Peh. Pp. xx + 255. Illustrated. US$14.95. Miller Freeman Pty Ltd. 1998. ISBN 981-04--0133-7.

The effects of high-intensity interval training in well-trained rowers

Purpose: Several recent studies have reported substantial performance and physiological gains in well-trained endurance runners, swimmers, and cyclists following a period of high-intensity interval training (HIT). The aim of the current study was to compare traditional rowing training (CT) to HIT in well-trained rowers. Methods: Subjects included 5 male and 5 female rowers (mean +/- SD; age = 19 +/- 2 y; height = 176 +/- 8 cm; mass = 73.7 +/- 9.8 kg; VO(2peak) = 4.37 +/- 1.08 L.min(-1)). Baseline testing included a 2000-m time trial and a maximal exercise test to determine VO(2peak), 4-min all-out power, and 4 mmol.L(-1) blood lactate threshold. Following baseline testing, rowers were randomly allocated to HIT or CT, which they performed seven times over a 4-wk period. The HIT involved 8 x 2.5-min intervals at 90% of the velocity maintained at VO(2peak), with individual recoveries returning to 70% of the subjects' maximal heart rate between intervals. The CT intensity consisted of workloads corresponding to 2 and 3 mmol.L(-1) blood lactate concentrations. On completion of HIT or CT, rowers repeated the testing performed at baseline and were then allocated to the alternative training program and completed a crossover trial. Results: HIT produced greater improvements in 2000-m time (1.9 +/- 0.9%; mean +/- SD), 2000-m power (5.8 +/- 3.0%), and relative VO(2peak) (7.0 +/- 6.4%) than CT. Conclusion: Four weeks of HIT improves 2000-m time-trial performance and relative VO(2peak) in competitive rowers, more than a traditional approach