High-intensity interval training programme for obese youth (HIP4YOUTH): A pilot feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Pediatric Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

• Growing interest in high-intensity interval training (HIT) for health improvement.
• Overweight and obesity are significant health concerns in youth, impacting cardiovascular health.
• Need for effective and engaging exercise interventions for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a 4-week low-volume HIT program in overweight and obese adolescents.
• To evaluate the effects of HIT on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and blood pressure (BP).
• To determine participant enjoyment of HIT compared to other exercise modalities.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 12 adolescents (BMI: 34.8 ± 3.9 kg·m⁻², age: 14.9 ± 1.5 years).
• 12 HIT sessions over ~4 weeks (3 sessions/week): 10x60s cycling at ~90% max heart rate with 90s recovery, 30 min/session.
• Measurements included CRF (peak oxygen uptake), resting BP, body weight, and total fat. Participant enjoyment was surveyed.

Main Results:

• High adherence (92% attendance) and completion rate (100%) indicate feasibility.
• Significant improvements in CRF (20.1 to 22.2 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and exercise time (425 to 509s) (P < 0.01).
• Significant reduction in resting systolic BP (115.8 to 107.6 mmHg). No significant changes in body weight or total fat.

Conclusions:

• Low-volume HIT is a feasible and effective intervention for improving cardiovascular health in overweight and obese youth.
• HIT significantly enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces blood pressure in this population.
• The majority of participants found HIT enjoyable, suggesting it can promote exercise participation.