Comparison of the effect of continuous and interval aerobic training on brachial artery diameter and endothelial function in a patient with coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the effects of continuous and interval aerobic training on brachial artery diameter and endothelial function in coronary artery bypass graft patients. Materials and Methods: The present study encompassed 30 male patients meeting the inclusion criteria, who were randomly assigned to three groups (namely continuous training, interval aerobic training, and control groups). The participants took the intervention for eight weeks (three sessions per week) according to the training program for each group. The continuous and interval aerobic groups observed the relevant protocols; however, during the same period, the control group took part in no regular training program. Results: The results indicated that flow-induced dilation (FMD) significantly increased in the two training groups (namely the continuous training group (P=0.01) and the interval training group (P=0.002)) compared to the control group; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.9). There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding the basal diameter of the brachial artery (P= 0.93). Comparing the secondary diameter of the brachial artery in the three groups indicated that the secondary diameter significantly increased in the two training groups (namely the continuous training group (P=0.044) and the interval training group (P=0.015)) compared to the control group; however, the difference was not significant between the two training groups (P=0.99). Conclusion: The results showed that interval and continuous training caused positive changes in endothelial function and increased the secondary diameter of the brachial artery. Similar to continuous training, interval training can probably be used as a safe exercise in the cardiac rehabilitation programs developed for coronary artery bypass graft patients.