Effects of a single session of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on biochemical cardiovascular risk factors in obese males

Background Few have analyzed the effects of different intensities of acute physical exercise on biochemical parameters of cardiovascular disease. Aim To examine the acute effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on biochemical cardiovascular markers in obese male adults. Materials and methods Twelve sedentary obese male subjects (28.4 ± 2.6 years old, BMI 35.5 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 , 39.8 ± 2.2% body fat) took part in this randomized, cross-over clinical trial. Three experimental sessions, at 7-day intervals, in random order, were carried out: (1) HIIE: 10 × 60 s at ~ 90% of maximal peak velocity, interspersed by 60 s of active recovery, (2) MICE: 20 min at ~ 70% of maximum heart rate, and (3) control session. A standardized breakfast was offered before the exercise sessions. Biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk (glycemia, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, hepatic enzymes and nitrogen scores) were assessed pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 60 min post-exercise. Results In general, no significant interaction was observed, with the exception of creatinine, that had a statistically significant two-way interaction between time and condition, F (4,40) = 5.053, p