Impact Of Intermittent And Continuous Physical Exercise On Endothelial Function And Oxidative Stress Postprandially

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise Vol. 44; no. 5S; pp. 317 - 318
• Main Authors: Ramirez-Velez, Robinson, Ortega, Jose G, Aguilar, Ana C de Plata, Araujo, Cristina, Hurtado, Celia Escobar, Zuniga, Ricardo A Agredo, Ramirez, Jorge H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-05-2012
• ISSN: 0195-9131

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of intermittent and continuous physical exercise on endothelial function and blood oxidative stress postprandially after a high-fat meal. METHODS: Crossover trial in 14 healthy male subjects, 20 years of age, randomized to three experimental groups: (i) no exercise, (ii) 1 hour of moderate intensity continuous physical exercise, and (iii) 1 hour of moderate intensity intermittent physical exercise. Endothelium dependent flow mediated dilatation (FMD%) and plasmatic levels of nitrites and nitrates (NO2/NO3) were used to assess vascular endothelial function. Oxidative stress was evaluated using the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) test. Endothelial function and oxidative stress were assessed after 14 to 18 hours of physical inactivity (baseline); posterior measurements were performed 1h and 2h after the consumption of a high-fat meal. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found on baseline FMD% in the three experimental groups. However, NO2/NO3 levels were significantly higher in the intermittent and continuous exercise groups compared to the control group (P<0.01). After the high-fat meal ingestion the FMD% decreased in the no-exercise and continuous exercise group but significatively increased in the intermittent exercise group. Furthermore, intermittent exercise was associated with increased TAC compared to no exercise and continuous exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate intensity intermittent physical exercise was found to be associated with beneficial effects on endothelial function and oxidative stress in the postprandial state. Randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of intermittent versus continuous physical exercise on hard outcomes of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are warranted.