PMID 39563778

Research
All papers

Effects of high-intensity interval training in a cold environment on arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamics in sedentary Chinese college female students post-COVID-19

Chen X, Hu N, Han H, Cai G, Qin Y

Question

Does short-term HIIT in a cold environment improve arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamics in sedentary female college students post-COVID-19?

Summary

In sedentary young Chinese women after COVID-19, one week of twice-daily supervised treadmill HIIT improved several vascular, balance, and brain oxygenation measures, especially when performed in a 14 C cold environment. No adverse events were reported, but the trial was very short and highly specific.

Methodology

  • 36 sedentary Chinese female college students post-COVID-19.
  • 36 participants.
  • Treadmill brisk sprint intervals at 14 C.
  • Work intervals: 4 min.
  • Recovery: 4 min active recovery.
  • Intensity: 75-80% peak HR, Borg RPE 15-18.
  • About 47 min including warm-up/rest/cool-down.
  • 2 sessions/day for 1 week.
  • 1 week.
  • Randomized controlled trial with room-temperature exercise, cold-environment exercise, and sedentary control
  • Arterial stiffness, Cerebral hemodynamics, Balance, and Blood pressure were tracked.

Outcomes

baPWV

Cold-environment HIIT reduced arterial stiffness more than room-temperature HIIT or control.

Abstract reported about 11% baPWV decrease in CE; RE did not significantly change baPWV.

Improved

Blood pressure

Exercise groups reduced SBP while control SBP and pulse pressure increased.

Post-test SBP and pulse pressure differed across groups; control pulse pressure higher than CE/RE.

Mixed

Cerebral hemodynamics

HbO and HbT increased during balance tasks in exercise groups, especially CE.

CE showed greater regional HbO/HbT increases than RE and control in several frontal/motor regions.

Improved

Safety

No adverse events were reported.

Article states no adverse events.

No clear change

Insights

  • Cold exposure is an intervention modifier, not a default app recommendation.
  • 4 x 4 min HIIT requires substantial session time and monitoring.
  • Short-term physiological improvements should be framed as preliminary.

Limitations

  • Small sample.
  • Only sedentary Chinese female college students post-COVID.
  • One-week intervention only.
  • No long-term follow-up.
  • No multiple cold-temperature gradients.
  • Many outcomes were surrogate physiological measures.

Safety

  • No adverse events were reported.
  • Intensity was monitored with HR and RPE under coach supervision.