The effect of aerobic training at high intensity compared with moderate intensity on interoception in healthy adults : a randomized control trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interoception is defined as the sense of physiological condition of the body. The interoception is divided in 3 dimensions: Interoceptive Accuracy, Interoceptive Sensibility and Interoceptive Awareness. High interoceptive ability and aerobic exercise are associated with high cardiovascular capability, structural and functional change in the neurological system. It is suggested that high intensity aerobic exercise will provide more health benefits. Aerobic exercise improves interoception, however, the most beneficial exercise intensity has not been determined. The aim of this study will be to determine the effects aerobic exercise at high versus moderate intensity on interoception. METHOD: This study will be a triple-blind randomized control trial, multicenter. Healthy adult between 18 and 65 years-old living near the physiotherapist center will be included after answering no at every questions of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, presenting a systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg and <80mmHg in diastolic, normal Electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation >95% and giving their consent to participate. An independent researcher will randomly allocate subjects. The participants, physiotherapists in charge of the intervention and the assessors will be blind. The High-Intensity Training (HIT) group will practice 3 times per week during 8 weeks, 24 running sessions of 50 minutes on treadmill composed by 10 minutes of walking, 30 minutes of running at a Target Heart Rate (THR) > 70% and 10 minutes of walking. The Moderate-Intensity Training (MIT) group will practice 3 times per week during 8 weeks 24 running sessions of 50 minutes on a treadmill consisting of 10 minutes of walking, 30 minutes of running at a THR between 50% and 70% and 10 minutes of walking. The primary outcome is the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness 2. The secondary outcomes are the Heartbeat Tracking Task, the Area Under the ROC curve using subjective confidence and the 6MWT. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. The statistical data will be analysed with ANOVA. DISCUSSION: It is expected that high-intensity aerobic training improves more the 3 dimensions of interoception than moderate-intensity aerobic training