High Intensity Interval Training

[jimcaster]

I think we already knew this, but here's yet another study showing that high intensity exercise slows the progression of Parkinson's disease. I wish they were more specific about exactly what the exercise regimen was, but this is still encouraging. I'm just heading outside for a run!

parkinsonsnewstoday.com/201...

[WinnieThePoo]

I think you've got the wrong link on this one mate. It's linking to your earlier stem cell post. More bloody repeats than the BBC as we say this side of the pond

Whilst there have been several studies apparantly emphasising a particular protocol, there appears to be a consensus that exercise - any regular exercise that is reasonably energetic, is beneficial. I even read one which effectively concluded that getting up and pottering was beneficial compared with a purely sedentary lifestyle

I still hold to the idea of heart rate significantly raised, for 20 minutes, at least 3 times a week is a good base line - but I try for as much as possible.

[jimcaster in reply to WinnieThePoo]

Thanks for letting me know I copied the wrong link. I was in too much of a hurry. I corrected it. I completely agree with you. If a drug created the same benefits as high intensity exercise, it would be international news.

[dentonpark]

Serves as a good motivator, especially the last 25% of a workout...High Intensity.....

[jeffreyn]

There must be a trial record somewhere. Failing that, we may have to wait for the paper to be published.

[Hikoi in reply to jeffreyn]

Poster

The scientific poster, “High intensity interval training elevates circulating BDNF and miRNAs level in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease,” was presented recently at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Nice, France.

Conference abstract:

mdsabstracts.org/abstract/h...

[jeffreyn in reply to Hikoi]

jimcaster said: "I wish they were more specific about exactly what the exercise regimen was, ..."

Unfortunately, the Nice abstract doesn't have that information, but a clinical trial record should have it.

[Farooqji]

From Wikipedia:

"Interval training is a type of training that involves a series of low to high intensity workouts interspersed with rest or relief periods. The high-intensity periods are typically at or close to anaerobic exercise, while the recovery periods involve activity of lower intensity."

[jimcaster in reply to Farooqji]

Thanks. I know what HIIT is, but I wish they said exactly how long each interval was and how high heart rates were during each interval (e.g. 4 minutes at 80% of max heart rate, then 1 minute at 60%, repeated for a total of 30 minutes, etc.).

[jeffreyn]

There was an earlier study (2014) with some of the same authors. See the section titled "Training protocol" (page 3 in the PDF) to see the details of their regimen.

Moderate-intensity interval training increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and decreases inflammation in Parkinson's disease patients:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/249...

[kaypeeoh]

I follow Dr Mercola's method of HIIT. After a warm-up, I set the treadmill at 8%grade and 8MPH speed and run for 30 seconds, then rest for 90 seconds then repeat for a total of 8 sprints. I've done it on a treadmill. Dr Mercola does it on a stat bike or elliptical trainer. It's important to get the heart rate to 90% of maximum. I'm 63 and my max is 157 (220 minus my age). With a heart rate monitor I can check that I'm up to 150 or so at the end of each sprint. Mercola says HIIT stimulates Growth Hormone release. At the end of each sprint you should not be able continue running. After 90 seconds you should be breathing normally and able to start the next sprint.

[jimcaster in reply to kaypeeoh]

Thanks for sharing. If my math is right, this translates to 16 minutes per workout--8 sprint and rest segments of 2 minutes each. Do you think that is long enough?

[kaypeeoh]

Generally I warm up for 20 minutes before sprinting. But do it right and you will need a day or two off to recover. Mercola recommends no more than twice a week. There was a famous paper about two groups of cyclists, one group did 45 minutes on a stat bike every day. The other group did HIIT on a stat bike, 15 minutes per day. The HIIT group lost much more weight than the other group.

[jimcaster in reply to kaypeeoh]

Thanks for sharing. What do you do during the 90 seconds of rest? Walk at 3 mph? . I'm very intrigued...

[kaypeeoh in reply to jimcaster]

Initially I'm bent over the handles of the treadmill trying to catch my breath. At around 60 seconds I start getting mentally ready for the next sprint.

[sharoncrayn]

Basically this study (not a clinical trial by any stretch) is a "BDNF" study which was followed up with the subjective H&Y measurement scale interpretation.

I love HIIT....but this study done by Polish researchers is weak in 1) participant size, 2) pre- study disability identification for each cohort, and 3) objective measurements that identify improvement or the lack of it. The H&Y measurement scale is almost totally subjective.

For those interested in HIIT, and its innumerable variations, tons of info is available.

Personally, I try to suggest moderation with something like HIIT if someone in one of my support groups is beyond the initial stages of PD. Some of these HIIT programs are simply too extreme....IMO. Some stress is good; too much is too much, especially if someone is not fit.

Most PD patients over 60 can't handle a 8%-8MPHx8 (see a KP post above) HIIT multiple reps let alone one. 10 years working with 2 PD groups, and I don't think I remember anyone over 60-65 who could do it. But perhaps it is just the make up of my groups. I guess I am going to have to recruit some track stars.