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Difference in Acute Responses of Vascular Function to Moderate-intensity and High-intensity Interval Training in Healthy and Prehypertensive Individuals

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07048509

PhaseNA

Enrollment45

SponsorUniversity of Ljubljana

Age18 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Prehypertension (Elevated Blood Pressure) or Hypertension, Healthy

About this study

In this study, the investigators will evaluate acute changes in vascular function measures after moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity interval exercise in healthy and prehypertensive individuals. Participants will be subjected to three separate visits: control condition (30 min rest), moderate-intensity continuous exercise, and high-intensity interval exercise. The investigators will measure aerobic capacity using a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) using indirect gas-exchange to derive subsequent exercise intensity and maximal oxygen uptake. The investigators will evaluate different measures of vascular function (Pulse-wave velocity, Flow-mediated slowing, microvascular function) before and after each condition. The study will involve two groups of participants: healthy individuals and prehypertensive individuals. The investigators aim to establish the reliability and validity of less-established methods of vascular function assessment (flow-mediated slowing and microvascular function) against established measures (pulse-wave velocity). The acute response of vascular function to different exercise intensities has not yet been thoroughly researched using the aforementioned measures in individuals with similar characteristics to the proposed study cohort.

Interventions

Other: Control-no treatment — 30 minutes of rest
Other: Exercise — 30 minutes of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise
Other: Exercise — 30 minutes of High-Intensity Interval Exercise

Primary outcomes

Arterial stiffness (At the beginning of each visit (T0) and immediately after each acute stimulus (T1))
Microvascular function (At the beginning of each visit (T0) and immediately after each acute stimulus (T1))
Flow-mediated slowing (At the beginning of each visit (T0) and immediately after each acute stimulus (T1))

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: Normotensive participants inclusion criteria: * 18 - 50 years of age, BMI \< 30, blood pressure (BP) within the optimal range according to the latest ESH guidelines (\< 120 mmHg systolic and/or \< 80 mmHg diastolic BP) * Sedentary or low active according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) (Armstrong \& Bull, 2006; Lim et al., 2012) * No prescribed medication and absence of chronic diseases Inclusion criteria for prehypertensive individuals: * 18 - 50 years of age, BMI \< 30 * Diagnosed prehypertension by a clinican from the Hypertension clinic, University clinical centre of Ljubljana using established criteria * Sedentary or low or moderately active according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) * No prescribed medication and absence of chronic diseases Exclusion Criteria: * Blood pressure out of the optimal range (normotensives) * High level of phyisical activity (moderate or high active according to GPAQ) * Hypotension * Chronic diseases * Prescribed medication * Lower extremity injury in the last six months * Menopause * Absence of normal menstrual cycle * Pregnancy * Smoking

Study locations

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of sport, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.