The effect of 8-week high intensity interval training on intima-media thickness of central and peripheral arteries in overweight men

The assessment of Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) is a crucial tool for primary prediction of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of 8-week high intensity interval training on intima-media thickness of central and peripheral arteries in overweight men. Present research was quasi-experimental design. Subjects were 18 overweight men (mean BMI 27.9 ± 4.2 Kg/m2). Follow participant election, maximum oxygen consumption test was performed and they were randomly divided into two HIIT (n=12) and control (n=6) groups. Body composition (were evaluate by bio-impedance system), carotid and femoral intima-media thicknesses (FIMT) (were evaluate by ultrasonic system and B-Mode method), and VO2peak assessments were performed in pre- and post-test occasions. All data analysis were done by Two way ANOVA at p<0.05. Body fat percent of subjects were significantly decreased in HIIT group (p=0.041). Also, FIMT were significantly decreased in people with IMT less than 0.9 mm (p=0.026). The study illustrated that IMT of central and peripheral arteries subsequent of 8 weeks HIIT were decreased in overweight men. Also, it is probable that HIIT has an ability to decrease IMT only in overweight men with IMT less than 0.9 mm.