Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 21, 2025
A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
High-Intensity Interval Training and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children: A Meta-analysis
Monserrat Solera-Martínez1,2, Ángel Herraiz-Adillo3, Ismael Manzanares-Domínguez1
1Health and Social Research Center.
Context:
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents and adults; nevertheless, the available evidence in children is scarce.
Objective:
To synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on improving cardiovascular risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children from 5 to 12 years old.
Data Sources:
We searched 5 databases, Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
Study Selection:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on cardiometabolic risk factors and CRF in children were included.
Data Extraction:
Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on body composition, cardiometabolic and CRF variables in comparison with nontraining control groups.
Results:
A total of 11 RCTs and 512 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in peak oxygen uptake (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28 to 1.12; P = 0.001], in total cholesterol [SMD = -1.09, 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.30; P = 0.007], in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD = -1.28, 95% CI = -2.34 to -0.23; P = 0.017] and triglycerides [SMD = -0.71, 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.28; P = 0.001) levels.
Limitations:
Because of the small number of available RCTs, it was not possible to conduct a subgroup analysis or a linear meta-regression analysis.
Conclusions:
HIIT is a feasible and time-efficient approach for improving CRF, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in children.
More Related Videos
09:19Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
07:40Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training
Published on: October 10, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism