High intensity interval training vs steady state exercise and relation to post-exercise hypotension

High intensity interval training has become popular to produce various physiological benefits. There is much controversy over what type of interval training has the greatest effects. Purpose: This study was designed to compare high intensity interval groups to examine levels of post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Methods: Young, healthy volunteers (N=55) performed 24 workout sessions on a stationary bike over an 8 week period. Subjects were randomly placed into three different exercise groups: Tabata, Meyer, and steady state. Tabata (N=21) performed 20 seconds at 170% power output (PO) of VO2 max and 10 second rest for 8 bouts. Meyer (N=15) performed 30 seconds at 100% PO of VO2 max, with 60 seconds active recovery, for a total of 20 minutes. Steady state (N=19) performed 20 minutes of exercise at 90% ventilatory threshold (VT). Blood pressures were measured once a week and multiple times during those sessions. Measurements of PEH were taken 30 minutes after exercise. Results: There were significant differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between pre- and post-exercise but no significant differences between the three exercise groups. Averaged over eight weeks, steady state had PEH of 9.1 + 2.17, Meyer showed PEH of 8.3 + 1.83 while Tabata had PEH of 9.1 + 1.55. There was no significant difference in PEH between the weeks. Conclusions: Through this study, we have concluded that PEH occurs in SBP 30 minutes after exercise, regardless of exercise intensity. During the eight week training, PEH remained constant. Previous findings have concluded similar results, including studies involving blood pressure medication.