Effects of Combined High Intensity Interval Training and Resistance Training

Background: Hypertension has long been considered as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease representing a high public health concern.

Objectives: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of combined HIIT and resistance training on body composition, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese hypertensive men.

Methods: This study will make use of sixty obese hypertensive men aged 40 to 60 years. All participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be assigned to one of three groups; combined HIIT and resistance group, HIIT only group or control group. Combined exercise group subjects will undergo weekly three sessions of both HIIT and resistance training for sixteen weeks. The HIIT session will involve four four-minute high-intensity intervals with an intensity of at 80-95% of the HRmax interspersed with two-minute active recovery intervals with intensity of 40% to 60% of the HRmax. The resistance training session will be composed of eight exercises perform 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions with an intensity of 80% of the subject's estimated 1-RM. The HIIT only group perform 12 weeks of HIIT only. The control group subjects will be instructed not to change their usual daily physical activities routine and instructed to abstain from practicing any exercise regimens during the 12-week study period. Body composition measures, blood pressure and VO2peak will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Results: All the outcome variables will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks following the treatment period.