Indices of Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamic Responses Following Repeated Cycling Sprints at Varying Intensities Among Recreationally Active Females

We examined indices of arterial stiffness (AS) and hemodynamic responses pre- and post-repeated cycling sprints at varying intensities. Twenty recreationally active females were randomized to complete three, 10-sec all-out cycling sprints with 2 min of interbout rest performed against 7.5% body weight (7.5%_BW) or 10% body weight (10%_BW). Separate two-way, 2 (Intensity [7.5%_BW and 10%_BW]) × 2 (Time [Pre and Post]) Bayesian mixed factorial ANOVA models were constructed to determine the probability of an effect. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV; m/s^-1) and augmentation index (Aix; %) were not different between groups or across time (mean difference from pretest-posttest [Mean_diff] = 0.14 ± 0.01 m/s^-1 and Mean_diff = 2.96 ± -0.23%, respectively). Heart rate (HR) increased across time (Mean_{diff =} -23 ± -1.84 bpm) but was similar between groups. Similarly, brachial and central systolic blood pressure (BSBP and CSBP) increased across time (Mean_{diff =} -16.2 ± -0.69 mmHg and Mean_diff = -8.85 ± 0.09 mmHg, respectively) but was similar between groups. Brachial and central diastolic blood pressure (BDBP and CDBP) remained unaffected and were similar between groups and across time. Repeated cycling sprints at 7.5%_BW and 10%_BW induced similar AS and hemodynamic responses. These findings support the use of short, all-out sprints as a time-efficient exercise strategy that does not acutely compromise vascular function.