Mixed
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) engages a unique subset of skeletal muscle signaling networks compared to work-matched moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), specifically involving kinases and pathways associated with plasma lactate levels.
If you are healthy and untrained, HIIT can trigger unique muscle signaling pathways linked to metabolic health (like lactate response) that moderate continuous training does not, even when the total work done is the same. This suggests HIIT is a potent tool for metabolic adaptation.
We identify a subset of kinases, substrates, and pathways differentially regulated by HIIT relative to MICT and highly associated with plasma lactate responses to exercise, revealing the molecular framework underlying adaptive responses to HIIT that become rapidly engaged and potentially contribute to HIIT’s muscle physiological adaptations and whole-body health benefits.
Why this rating
Randomized crossover trial with phosphoproteomics, but small sample size (n=10) and short duration (acute bout).
Source
Phosphoproteomics Uncovers Exercise Intensity-Specific Skeletal Muscle Signaling Networks Underlying High-Intensity Interval Training in Healthy Male Participants
Nolan J. Hoffman et al. · Sports Medicine · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s40279-025-02217-2
More from this paper
- Acute exercise (both HIIT and MICT) results in more phosphosite down-regulation than up-regulation, suggesting that acute exercise involves the inhibition of kinase activity and/or activation of phosphatases.Good
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) elicits higher plasma lactate concentrations than work-matched moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) during the exercise bout.Good
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