High‐intensity interval training mitigates the progression of periodontitis and improves behavioural aspects in rats

Abstract Aim To investigate the effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on periodontitis (PD) progression and behavioural outcomes. Materials and Methods Forty‐eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non‐trained (NT); non‐trained with PD; HIIT with PD; and HIIT. The HIIT protocol, involving daily treadmill sessions, spanned 8 weeks, with PD induced by ligature after the 6th week. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess anxiety and memory. Post euthanasia, we evaluated the systemic inflammatory profile and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. A morphological evaluation and elemental composition analysis of the mandibular alveolar bone were performed. Results PD exacerbated alveolar bone level, bone surface damage and alterations in calcium and phosphorus percentages on the bone surface ( p < .05), while HIIT attenuated these changes ( p < .05). HIIT improved systemic inflammatory markers altered by PD (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, interleukin [IL]‐10, TNF‐α/IL‐10 and IL‐1β/IL‐10 ratios, p < .05). PD animals exhibited lower total antioxidant capacity and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively ( p < .05). HIIT maintained these parameters at levels similar to those in NT animals. HIIT improved anxiety and memory outcomes altered by PD ( p < .05). Conclusions HIIT attenuates systemic inflammation, anxiety and memory outcomes promoted by PD.