Physical Exercise on Physiological Adaptation Capacity and Chronic Pain in Individuals With Cardiovascular Risk

Effects of Two Modalities of Physical Exercise on Physiological Adaptation Capacity, Metabolic Flexibility, and Non-oncological Chronic Pain in Patients Living With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

This research focuses on studying the effects of a 12-week exercise program on the health of individuals at risk of heart disease. The program includes High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Muscle Endurance Resistance Exercise (ERE). The researchers aim to observe the impact of these exercises on physiological adaptability, physical capacity, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolism, body composition, and chronic pain.

The participants will be inactive adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 39.9, who are enrolled in a cardiovascular health program. Individuals with certain serious conditions, such as bone or heart problems, pulmonary diseases, cancer, or those who do not adequately understand instructions or Spanish, are ineligible to participate.

Patients will be selected by the program team and divided into three groups: one will perform HIIT, another will engage in ERE, and a control group will continue their usual treatment. Participants will be assessed at different times: before starting, at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks, and at the end of the program. Various health aspects will be measured, including physical activity, quality of life, physical capacity, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolism, body composition, and pain level.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physically inactive: Not engaging in 300 minutes of moderate or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week, measured with the IPAQ questionnaire.
• BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m².
• Belonging to the cardiovascular health program of External Family Health Center Valdivia.
• Presenting or not presenting chronic non-cancerous pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bone disease.
• Ischemic disease or arrhythmia.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Uncontrolled chronic diseases.
• Individuals unable to understand instructions.
• Individuals who do not speak Spanish.
• History of previous oncological disease or under investigation for suspected neoplastic disease in any part of the body.