High Intensity Interval Training Induces a Modest Inflammatory Response in Active, Young Males

The purposes of this study were to determine the extent to which an acute session of high intensity interval training (HIIT) increases systemic inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and if two weeks of HIIT training alters the systemic inflammatory response. Eight recreationally active males performed two weeks of HIIT on a cycle ergometer (6 sessions at 8-12 intervals; 60 sec intervals, 75 sec active rest). Serum samples were collected during the 1st and 6th training sessions at rest and immediately post-, 15, 30, and 45 minutes post-exercise. HIIT induced significant increases in IL-6 at each time point after exercise. HIIT also induced increases in IL-8 immediately after and at 30 and 45 min after exercise. TNF? and MCP-1 increased 42% and 29%, respectively, immediately after exercise and IL-10 increased 120% at 45 min after exercise. The concentrations of IFN?, GM-CSF, and IL-1? were unaltered with HIIT. Two weeks of training did not alter the inflammatory response to an acute bout of HIIT exercise. Maximal power achieved during a VO2max test significantly increased 4.6%. This data suggest that HIIT exercise induces a modest, yet significant inflammatory response in young, recreationally active men; however, two weeks of HIIT does not alter this response.