# Upper and lower limb resistance training program versus high-intensity interval training on oxidative stress markers in university athletes

PMID: 34285898
Journal: Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation
Published: 2021-06
Authors: Prasertsri P, Boonla O

## 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.

## Population

- University athletes randomized to control, resistance training, or HIIT.
- Sample size: 66
- Age: 18-30 years; group means about 20.3-21.8 years
- Sex: Male and female
- Fitness level: University athletes
- Health status: Healthy, normal BMI, nonregular smokers/drinkers, no medication or supplements.

## Methodology

- Randomized controlled training study
- 8 weeks
- University athlete training/research setting in Thailand
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Cycling HIIT.
- Modality: Cycle ergometer.
- Work intervals: 1 min at 70% VO2max.
- Recovery: 1 min at 30% VO2max.
- Sets or repetitions: 12 high-intensity intervals during 24 min interval block.
- Intensity: 70% VO2max work, 30% VO2max recovery, 50-60 rpm.
- Session duration: 30 min.
- Frequency: 3 days/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: No progression reported.
- Resistance training or usual activity control.
- Modality: Upper- and lower-limb resistance training; control maintained activity and diet.
- Work intervals: Resistance exercises at 30% and 70% 1RM.
- Sets or repetitions: Two low-intensity sets and one high-intensity set per muscle group.
- Intensity: 30% and 70% 1RM for RT; usual activity for control.
- Session duration: 30 min for RT.
- Frequency: 3 days/week for RT.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### MDA
Status: mixed
MDA decreased significantly after resistance training but not HIIT.

RT p=0.016.

### Redox ratio
Status: improved
RT and HIIT increased the GSH/GSSG redox ratio.

Within-group p<0.05.

### Performance
Status: improved
RT and HIIT improved flexibility, leg strength, and bench press repetitions.

Within-group p<0.05.

### Safety
Status: unclear
No adverse events were reported, but detailed adverse-event monitoring was not described.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

- No adverse events were reported.
- Participants were screened for health status, medication/supplement use, smoking/drinking habits, BP, and HR before participation.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34285898/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2142184.092) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8257435/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.