HIIT is not superior to MICT in altering blood lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To compare the effects of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on adult lipid profiles; to identify training or participant characteristics that may determine exercise-induced change in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

English language searches of several databases were conducted from inception until September 2019.

Inclusion: (1) published randomised controlled human trials with group population n≥5; (2) intervention duration ≥4 weeks; (3) comparing HIIT with MICT; and (4) reporting pre-post intervention lipid measurements. Exclusion: subjects with chronic disease, <18 years, pregnant/lactating, in elite athletic training; and studies with a dietary or pharmaceutical intervention component.

Twenty-nine data sets (mmol/L) of 823 participants were pooled and analysed. Neither HIIT nor MICT was better in decreasing TC (0.10 (-0.06 to 0.19), p=0.12, I²=0%), TRG (-0.05 (-0.11 to 0.01), p=0.10, I²=0%), LDL-C (0.05 (-0.06 to 0.17), p=0.37, I²=0%), or TC/HDL-C (-0.03 (-0.36 to 0.29), p=0.85, I²=0%). HIIT significantly raised HDL-C (0.07 (0.04 to 0.11), p<0.0001, I²=0%) compared with MICT.

Neither HIIT nor MICT is superior for altering TC, TRG, or LDL-C, or TC-HDL-C ratio. Compared with MICT, HIIT appeared to significantly improve HDL-C. Clinicians may prescribe either protocol to encourage participation in exercise and reduce cardiovascular risk. To raise HDL-C, HIIT may result in a larger effect size compared with MICT.

CRD42019136722.