The Impact of High‑Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate‑Intensity Continuous Training on Carotid Intima‑Media Thickness and Ankle‑Brachial Index in Middle‑Aged Women

Objective: Obesity has been linked to cardiovascular risk factors characterized by endothelial dysfunction and arterial wall thickening. Regular exercise training is recognized as a powerful tool to improve endothelial function and cardiovascular risk profile, but it is unknown which of high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training is the best exercise. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 inactive and overweight women aged 40–50 years old and body mass index >27 kg/m2 were randomized to high‑intensity interval training, moderate‑intensity continuous training, or control. The exercise intervention consisted of 12 weeks of training and three supervised sessions per week. The moderate‑intensity group was trained continuously for 47 min at 60–70% of maximal heart rate. High‑intensity interval training consisted of four interval bouts of 4 min at 85%–95% of maximal heart rate with 3 min breaks at 50%–60% of maximal heart rate between the intervals. For all analyses, statistical significance was assigned at P < 0.05. Results: According to our findings, while carotid intima‑media thickness decreased in both training groups, this reduction was not statistically significant. In the high‑intensity training group, the right ankle‑brachial index increased significantly (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Twelve weeks of exercise training, especially in high‑intensity interval training, have led to improving lipid profiles and endothelial function, it can be said that regular and prolonged exercise can probably be a preventive factor in cardiovascular disease in overweight women.