Hypoxic exposure increases right ventricular (RV) afterload by triggering pulmonary hypertension, with consequent effects on the structure and function of the RV. Improved myocardial contractility is a critical circulatory adaptation to exercise training. However, the types of exercise that enhance right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic stress have not yet been identified. This study investigated how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) influence right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic exercise (HE).~The young and healthy sedentary males were randomly selected to engage in either HIIT (3-min intervals at 40% and 80% of VO2 oxygen uptake reserve) or MICT (sustained 60% of VO2 oxygen uptake reserve) for 30 min/day and 5 days/week for 6 weeks or were included in a control group (CTL) that did not engage in any exercise. Right cardiac mechanics during semiupright bicycle exercise tests under hypoxic conditions (i.e., 50 watts under 12% FiO2 for 3 min) were measured using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The primary outcome was the change in right cardiac mechanics during semiupright bicycle exercise under hypoxic conditions (i.e., 50 watts under 12% FiO2 for 3 min) as measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.
Hypoxic exposure increases right ventricular (RV) afterload by triggering pulmonary hypertension, with consequent effects on the structure and function of the RV. Improved myocardial contractility is a critical circulatory adaptation to exercise training. However, the types of exercise that enhance right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic stress have not yet been identified. This study investigated how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) influence right cardiac mechanics during hypoxic exercise (HE).