Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Novel Forms of High-intensity Interval Exercise

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Randomised cross-over study seeking to explore the acute physiological and perceptual responses to three novel forms of high-intensity interval training (HIT).

Detailed Description
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Randomised cross-over study seeking to explore the acute physiological (heart rate and blood pressure) and perceptual responses (rating of perceived exertion, mood and enjoyment) to three novel forms (non-contact boxing, stair stepping and stair climbing) of high-intensity interval training (HIT).

Official Title
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Acute Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Novel Forms of High-intensity Interval Exercise

Conditions
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High-intensity Interval Exercise, Heart Rate, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Blood Pressure, Acute Mood, Physical Activity Enjoyment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Boxing
* Behavioral: Stair stepping
* Behavioral: Stair climbing


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: adult (≥18 years) employees no health conditions that preclude them from exercise and on no medication, information obtained via their self-report. able to understand written and spoken English. participants reporting that they are asthmatic will allowed to participate with medical clearance and instructed to bring their bronchodilator medication and use it when required. Exclusion Criteria: symptoms of or known presence of heart disease condition or injury or co-morbidity affecting the ability to undertake exercise diabetes mellitus early family history of sudden cardiac death pregnancy or likelihood of pregnancy.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Using a randomised crossover trial design participants will be randomised computer assisted random sequence generation to sequences in which they are exposed to each experimental condition (exercise modality: stair stepping, stair climbing and non-contact boxing).
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Boxing<br>In each of the three sessions a different exercise modality will be conducted, in a randomised sequence. Non-contact boxing involves boxing punch pads that will be held by the one of the researchers, while wearing protective boxing gloves. Each exercise modality will be conducted following a high-intensity interval protocol (4 x 60 seconds of exercise interspersed with 60 seconds of rest). During each exercise bout participants will be encouraged to exercise at an intensity that elicits a heart rate of ≥85% of maximum, which will always be followed by 60 seconds of passive recovery. Participants will complete a 5 minute warm-up and a 2 minute cool down and stretch after the exercise bouts have been completed. | Behavioral: Boxing<br>* as already discussed<br>|
| Experimental: Stair stepping<br>Participants will complete 3 sessions of exercise. In each of the three sessions a different exercise modality will be conducted in a randomised sequence. Stair stepping involves stepping on to and off a 35 cm Reebok exercise bench, repeatedly. Each exercise modality will be conducted following a high-intensity interval protocol (4 x 60 seconds of exercise interspersed with 60 seconds of rest). During each exercise bout participants will be encouraged to exercise at an intensity that elicits a heart rate of ≥85% of maximum, which will always be followed by 60 seconds of passive recovery. Participants will complete a 5 minute warm-up and a 2 minute cool down and stretch after the exercise bouts have been completed. | Behavioral: Stair stepping<br>* as already discussed<br>|
| Experimental: Stair climbing<br>In each of the three sessions a different exercise modality will be conducted, in a randomised sequence. Stair climbing involves continuously ascending the stairs located in a public access staircase. Each exercise modality will be conducted following a high-intensity interval protocol (4 x 60 seconds of exercise interspersed with 60 seconds of rest). During each exercise bout participants will be encouraged to exercise at an intensity that elicits a heart rate of ≥85% of maximum, which will always be followed by 60 seconds of passive recovery. Participants will complete a 5 minute warm-up and a 2 minute cool down and stretch after the exercise bouts have been completed. | Behavioral: Stair climbing<br>* as already discussed<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heart rate | Second-to-second heart rate monitoring throughout exercise sessions using wrist worn Polar A360 heart rate monitors | 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mood | Acute mood state | 6 months | 
| Enjoyment | Physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). Range of possible scores from 18-126, higher scores indicate higher enjoyment. | 6 months | 
| RPE | Rating of perceived exertion | 6 months | 
| Blood pressure | Measured using automatic blood pressure monitor | 6 months |