Time-efficient and computer-guided sprint interval exercise training for improving health in the workplace: a...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

• High-intensity interval training (HIT) is effective for cardiovascular health in lab settings.
• Its effectiveness in unsupervised workplace settings remains uninvestigated.
• This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a workplace REHIT intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of unsupervised REHIT in an office environment.
• To determine the effectiveness of REHIT on cardiovascular risk factors.
• To explore participants' perceptions of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week unsupervised REHIT intervention was conducted in a workplace setting.
• Twenty-five office workers participated (13 intervention, 12 control).
• Intervention involved 2 sessions/week of cycling with short sprints (total time <10 min/session). V̇O2max, enjoyment, self-efficacy, and acceptability were measured.

Main Results:

• V̇O2max significantly improved in the REHIT group (+7.4%) compared to controls (-2.3%).
• Participants found the REHIT intervention acceptable and enjoyable (PACES: 89/119).
• Qualitative data indicated REHIT was perceived as a time-efficient, achievable exercise option.

Conclusions:

• REHIT is a feasible, effective, and acceptable exercise intervention for workplace settings.
• The intervention requires less than 20 minutes per week.
• Adherence may be enhanced by considering psychosocial factors and behavior-change techniques.