High intensity aerobic interval training: history and clinical exercise physiology

Abstract

The epidemiological transition observed in recent decades has led to a continuous increase in chronic non communicable diseases, phenomenon associated with the lifestyle of the population, the dietary pattern and physical inactivity, which predisposes to obesity and insulin resistance, conditioning cardiometabolic disease such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, allowing the development of metabolic syndrome. The treatment consists of pharmacological management, improving dietary habits and the incorporation of physical activity into the daily routine. Traditionally exercise programs are oriented to aerobic methods for improving altered parameters. New intervention strategies such as high-intensity interval training have been developed, which has evolved as a model of effective action, with a real positive impact on the health status of the population. The objective of this review is to provide a historical and updated look of high-intensity interval exercise, its impact on the population and physiological adaptations that support its use as a therapeutic tool.