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Review
. 2024 Aug 20;7(2):77-84.
doi: 10.1016/j.smhs.2024.08.002. eCollection 2025 Mar.

An integrative review of the effects of high-intensity interval training on the autonomic nervous system

Massimo Coretti  1 , Nathalia Nahas Donatello  2   3 , Gianluca Bianco  1 , Francisco J Cidral-Filho  2   3
Affiliations
Review

An integrative review of the effects of high-intensity interval training on the autonomic nervous system

Massimo Coretti et al. Sports Med Health Sci. .

Abstract

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has gained prominence as a time-efficient and effective exercise modality to improve cardiovascular (CV) fitness, metabolic health, and physical performance. Therefore, our aim was to synthesize current clinical research on the effects of HIIT on the Autonomic Nervous System. We conducted the search for studies in the Directory of Open Access Journals, Embase, Virtual Health Library, Pubmed, and Scielo databases, in January of 2024. We included a total of 20 studies in our review. This literature review highlights the potential of HIIT to modulate the Autonomic Nervous System, enhancing CV function and overall health. Despite the promising findings, the interpretation of the results is tempered by the variability in study designs, populations, and methodologies. Future research should address these limitations, aiming for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between HIIT and Autonomic Nervous System function. The review indicates that standardized protocols need to consider individual characteristics and baseline autonomic states for clinical application. As the body of evidence grows, HIIT may emerge as a cornerstone of exercise prescriptions aimed at optimizing autonomic function and promoting CV health.

Keywords: Autonomic nervous system; Exercise; Health; High intensity interval training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Please proceed.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study Flow Diagram. All the review steps and study selection are presented in this figure. n ​= ​number.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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