Effect of 6 weeks intense interval training on cardiac autonomic nervous system function and on lung function in sedentary males

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of six weeks intense interval training on cardiac autonomic nervous system activity and pulmonary function.

20 sedentary males in Ardabil participated voluntarily in the present study and were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in an intense interval training program for six weeks, 3 sessions per week (90-second activities with 60 seconds rest between activities). Heart rate variability and pulmonary function indices were measured before and after six weeks of exercise in both groups.

SDNN, RMSSD, HF and LF indices and FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC pulmonary function indices increased significantly after six weeks of intense interval training in the experimental group (P <0.05). Also, the results of analysis of covariance for these indicators except than RMSSD showed a significant difference between the post-test of the experimental and control groups (P <0.05).

The results of the present study indicate that six weeks intense interval training leads to improved cardiac autonomic nervous system function and pulmonary function in sedentary males.