Alis, R., Ibanez-Sanial, S., Basterra, J., Verdejo, P., Martinez-Herraez, B., & Romagnoli, M. (2013). Effects on plasma viscosity of low-volume high-intensity interval training. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5), Supplement abstract number 373.

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training and traditional endurance-based training exercise on plasma viscosity in males (N = 10). Ss randomly performed two different running protocols, with a week between exercises. The high-intensity interval training began with two minutes at 8 km/h, continued by five bouts of running at 90% HRmax separated by two-minute periods at 8 km/h and finished with another 2-minute period at 8km/h. The traditional endurance-based training consisted of 60 minutes of running at 65% VO2max. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before, just after exercise, and after 30 minutes of recovery. Plasma viscosity was measured in a capillary plasma viscosimeter at 37ºC. Hematocrit, fibrinogen levels, total-proteins, total-cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined by an autoanalyzer. Changes in plasma volume during exercise and recovery were calculated.

High-intensity interval training significantly increased plasma volume at the end of exercise while traditional endurance-based training did not. High-intensity interval training had an effect on total proteins and glucose at post-exercise. When their concentrations were corrected for changes in plasma volume, only glucose rose significantly with high-intensity interval training.

Implication. High-intensity interval training caused an increment of plasma viscosity due to haemo-concentration which traditional endurance-based training did not. The rise did not reach pathologic levels.

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