Reactive oxygen species and IL-6 responses to resistance-based HIIT: A time-dependent analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Acute exercise is known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to oxidative stress. Although this relationship has been widely studied, most investigations rely on indirect biomarkers and endurance-based exercise models. Resistance-circuit training, however, remains underexplored in this context. This study aimed to evaluate the time-dependent effects of rest and a novel resistance-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol on ROS and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in sedentary, healthy young women. Thirty participants completed a resistance-circuit HIIT protocol. Capillary blood samples were collected at four time points: Baseline (after overnight fasting), after a two- hour seated rest, immediately post-HIIT and 15-minutes post-HIIT. ROS levels were measured using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and IL-6 via high-sensitivity ELISA. A significant decline in ROS (-8.5%, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (-12.3%, p < 0.05) occurred during rest. Throughout HIIT, both markers increased significantly (ROS +12.3%, p < 0.001; IL-6: +48.1% p < 0.01), with partial reductions observed after 15 minutes (ROS: -6.9%, p < 0.01; IL-6: -20.4%, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that resistance-based HIIT can serve as a valid model for studying acute oxidative and inflammatory responses in exercise science, offering a complementary approach to traditional endurance-focused protocols. • Resistance-based HIIT acutely elevates ROS and IL-6 in sedentary young women, demonstrating a measurable oxidative and inflammatory response. • Two-hour seated rest reduces both ROS and IL-6 in the fasted morning state, indicating a natural decline before exercise • Electron paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, using spin CMH as spin probe, provides in vivo ROS detection in humans, complementing traditional biomarker-based methods in exercise research
Institution: University of Vienna
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,240
OpenAlex ID: W4415437116