Vascular Adaptations to Single-Sprint Training

The long-term objective of this research line is to identify and implement an effective and feasible intervention capable of preventing and/or reducing the burden of cardiometabolic and obesity-related diseases that affect Mississippians and others. The pursuit of this long-term objective will begin with achieving the specific aims proposed in this pilot project, which are to determine the effect of single sprint training for improving (1) systemic macro-vascular function, (2) local and systemic micro-vascular function, and (3) cardiorespiratory fitness. These aims will be achieved using a randomized controlled trial whereby 40 males and females will be randomized into an intervention group (n=20) or time-matched negative control group (n=20). The intervention group will perform a single maximal effort sprint on a cycle ergometer for twenty seconds 3 days/week for 4 weeks and the control group will be asked to maintain pre-intervention habits/behavior over 4 weeks. All outcome measures are non-invasive, and will be assessed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention, with the exception of cardiorespiratory fitness, which will be measured pre- and post-. To achieve aim 1, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation via ultrasonography and systolic and diastolic blood pressure via automated oscillometry will be measured on the arm. To achieve aim 2, post-occlusive reactive hyperemia via near-infrared spectroscopy and reactive hyperemia via ultrasound will be measured in the arm and leg, respectively. To achieve aim 3, pulmonary gas exchange will be measured during a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer. All outcomes will be compared across time between conditions and sex with a three-way Bayesian Repeated Measures ANOVA using pre-values as covariates and an uninformed prior. 95% credible intervals will also be calculated to power future investigations using this intervention. If the intervention is found effective, future studies will be conducted to determine the efficacy of