Aerobic Interval and Moderate Continuous Exercise Training on Ventricular Functions

Hypoxic exposure increases right ventricular (RV) afterload by triggering pulmonary hypertension, with consequent effects on the structure and function of the RV. Improved myocardial contractility is a critical circulatory adaptation to exercise training. However, the types of exercise that enhance right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic stress have not yet been identified. This study investigated how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) influence right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic exercise (HE). The young and healthy sedentary males were randomly selected to engage in either HIIT (3-min intervals at 40% and 80% of VO2 oxygen uptake reserve) or MICT (sustained 60% of VO2 oxygen uptake reserve) for 30 min/day and 5 days/week for 6 weeks or were included in a control group (CTL) that did not engage in any exercise. Right cardiac mechanics during semiupright bicycle exercise tests under hypoxic conditions (i.e., 50 watts under 12% FiO2 for 3 min) were measured using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was the change in right cardiac mechanics during semiupright bicycle exercise under hypoxic conditions (i.e., 50 watts under 12% FiO2 for 3 min) as measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.