Effect of high‐intensity interval walking on microvascular endothelial function among community‐dwelling older people

Abstract

AimTo investigate the effects of high‐intensity interval exercise training on microvascular endothelial function among community‐dwelling older people.MethodsWe analyzed the data from a nonrandomized controlled trial. This study's participants were 48 men (aged 75 ± 5 years; exercise training group, n = 24; control group, n = 24) and 83 women (aged 75 ± 4 years; exercise training group, n = 36; control group, n = 47). The exercise training group underwent a high‐intensity interval walking training for 5 months.ResultsIn the exercise group, 100% and 91.7% of men and women, respectively, achieved brisk walking times ≥50 min/week. The change in the reactive hyperemia index significantly differed between the groups of men, whereas that in the control group was not significant; however, a significant increase was observed in the exercise training group. Among women, changes in the reactive hyperemia index were not significant in either group; however, for women in the exercise training group, these changes negatively and positively correlated with the change in body mass index (Spearman's rho = −0.342; P = 0.041) and baseline body mass index (rho = 0.362, P = 0.030), respectively. Additionally, the distribution of body mass index was broader in women than in men.ConclusionsInterval walking training increased the reactive hyperemia index in men rather than in women. A higher variation in baseline body mass index may be associated with no statistical increase in reactive hyperemia index in women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 103–110.