Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Sport Science for Health and Performance, College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Halabja, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Abstract
Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become an increasingly popular exercise regimen due to its efficiency in improving cardiovascular health and metabolic function. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count are key markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and their levels can indicate cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT on fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count in sedentary men, with the hypothesis that HIIT would reduce thrombotic risk factors. Method: A total of 24 healthy, sedentary Iranian men (aged 30-40 years) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The HIIT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT, with 3 sessions per week, each consisting of 30 minutes alternating between 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise and 90 seconds of recovery. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to assess fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and independent t-tests, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. Results: The HIIT group showed significant reductions in fibrinogen (p=0.025), D-dimer (p=0.032), and platelet count (p=0.041). Specifically, fibrinogen decreased from 292.5±38.4 mg/dL to 270.4±34.1 mg/dL, D-dimer from 0.72±0.10 µg/mL to 0.55±0.09 µg/mL, and platelet count from 238±31 × 10³/µL to 221±29 × 10³/µL. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in these markers (p>0.05). The HIIT group also showed significantly better results compared to the control group (fibrinogen p=0.025, D-dimer p=0.032, platelet count p=0.04). Conclusion: HIIT significantly reduced thrombotic risk markers in sedentary men, suggesting its potential to improve cardiovascular health by modulating coagulation and fibrinolysis. The observed effects highlight HIIT as an effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in inactive populations. Further research with larger samples and diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and explore long-term impacts.
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