The acute response to sprint interval exercise and moderate intensity continuous exercise in adults with and without airway hyperresponsiveness

Abstract

Introduction: Sprint interval exercise (SIE) has been proposed as a time efficient way to improve physical activity levels; however, SIE has not been studied in adults with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Methods: Eight adults with AHR and eight adults without AHR completed both SIE (4x30 second sprints at 7.5% body weight) and moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) (20 minutes at 65% peak power output). Spirometry, ventilatory measures, tissue oxygenation, and subjective responses were assessed prior to, during, and following exercise. Results: The decline in forced expiratory volume in one second was similar following SIE and MICE. Ventilatory measures, tissue oxygenation, and subjective responses were similar in the AHR group compared to those without AHR. Differences were observed in affect, breathlessness, and exertion between SIE and MICE at the onset of exercise. Conclusions: SIE appears to be feasible in adults with AHR; this may have implications for exercise prescription in this population.