Comparison of the effects of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training and continuous training on P-selectin expression and platelet indices in cardiovascular disease

Platelets play an important role in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training and continuous training on P-selectin expression and platelet indices in cardiovascular patients. Therefore, 30 CABG and PCI heart patient voluntary participated and divided into three groups (n=10): control, continuous and high-intensity interval group. Anthropometric characteristics and peak oxygen consumption was recorded before starting a workout.
Each session was 40 minutes. Interval session consists of warm-up, 8 reps/ four min (exercise: 2min, active recovery: 2min, intensity: 90 /30) and cool down, but continues session includes 30 minutes of continuous exercise intensity activity with 60% of peak oxygen consumption. The control group did not have a regular
activity. Blood samples taken before and after the eight-week and their P-selectin (by flow cytometry) and platelet indices were measured. Repeated measure ANOVA with between group factor and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that P-selectin expression changes between the groups were significantly different (P=.013). Post-hoc test show that the changes between control and interval groups were significant (P=.011). But no significant changes were observed in all platelet indices (P>0.05).It is concluded that eight weeks of exercise leads to reduction in P-selectin expression that was also affected by type of activity. Based on more effects of interval training in cardiovascular patients, use of interval training can be suggested in their rehabilitation program.