Upper and lower limb resistance training program versus high-intensity interval training on oxidative stress markers in university athletes
Question
How do eight weeks of resistance training and cycling HIIT compare for oxidative stress markers and performance in university athletes?
Summary
University athletes were assigned to control, resistance training, or cycling HIIT for eight weeks. Both exercise programs improved physical performance and antioxidant redox measures, but only resistance training significantly reduced plasma MDA, so the oxidative-stress findings favored resistance training over this HIIT protocol.
Methodology
- University athletes randomized to control, resistance training, or HIIT.
- 66 participants.
- Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1 min at 70% VO2max.
- Recovery: 1 min at 30% VO2max.
- Intensity: 70% VO2max work, 30% VO2max recovery, 50-60 rpm.
- 30 min.
- 3 days/week.
- 8 weeks.
- Randomized controlled training study
- MDA, Redox ratio, Physical performance, and Safety were tracked.
Outcomes
MDA
MDA decreased significantly after resistance training but not HIIT.
RT p=0.016.
Redox ratio
RT and HIIT increased the GSH/GSSG redox ratio.
Within-group p<0.05.
Performance
RT and HIIT improved flexibility, leg strength, and bench press repetitions.
Within-group p<0.05.
Safety
No adverse events were reported, but detailed adverse-event monitoring was not described.
Insights
- This cycling interval format is simple but was tested in athletes, not beginners.
- Resistance training may be more relevant than this HIIT protocol when the target is lowering MDA.
Limitations
- Athlete sample limits generalizability.
- Habitual training continued in all groups.
- Diet was not controlled.
- Article reports 72 participants but group counts of 22 each imply 66 analyzed participants.
Safety
- No adverse events were reported.
- Participants were screened for health status, medication/supplement use, smoking/drinking habits, BP, and HR before participation.