Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 11, 2025

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement

A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement

Published on: February 22, 2022

Bone Response to High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Adolescents with

Valérie Julian¹, Daniela Costa^2,3, Grace O'Malley⁴

¹Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, University Teaching Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Diet and Musculoskeletal Health Team, CRNH, INRA, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

|December 5, 2021

Abstract

Introduction:

Since adolescents with obesity are prone to bone fragility during weight loss, the aim was to compare the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on bone density, geometry, and strength.

Methods:

Sixty-one adolescents were randomly assigned to 2 cycling trainings (HIIT and MICT) and a control (CTR, without training) group. Anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with hip structural analysis and the trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed before and after the 16-week intervention.

Results:

Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) percentage decreased at T1 versus T0 in both training groups (p < 0.001 for HIIT, p = 0.01 for MICT), though to a larger extent in HIIT (p < 0.05). Total body bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) increased in both training groups (p < 0.001), but to a greater extent in HIIT for BMC (p < 0.05). Lumbar spine BMD and BMC increased in both training groups (p < 0.001 for HIIT, p < 0.01 for MICT), with a time × group interaction between HIIT and CTR (p < 0.05) only. TBS increased in both training groups (p < 0.01 for HIIT, p < 0.05 for MICT). Hip BMD and BMC increased in both HIIT (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) and MICT (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). At the narrow neck (NN), endocortical diameter, width (p < 0.01), cross-sectional moment of inertia, and section modulus (Z) (p < 0.05) increased only in the HIIT group, such as BMD and Z (p < 0.05) at the intertrochanteric region (IT) and average cortical thickness (p < 0.001) and width (p < 0.05) at the femoral shaft. At the NN and IT, the buckling ratio decreased only in the HIIT group (p < 0.05), predicting higher resistance to fracture.

Conclusions:

In addition to inducing greater BMI and FM percentage decreases in comparison to MICT, HIIT improves multisite bone density, geometry, and strength, which heighten the justification for HIIT as part of weight loss interventions in adolescents with obesity.

Keywords:

Bone mineral density Bone strength Childhood obesity High-intensity interval training Moderate-intensity continuous training

More Related Videos

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

Published on: April 28, 2023

Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice

Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice

Published on: February 2, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
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...

Obesity

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...

Exercise Stress Test

Exercise Stress Test

Introduction
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes

Drug Dosing: Obese Patients

Drug Dosing: Obese Patients

In the United States, obesity is a prominent concern. It is linked to heightened mortality rates due to increased occurrences of conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and diabetes compared to nonobese individuals. A patient is classified as obese if their actual body weight surpasses the ideal or desirable body weight by 20%, based on Metropolitan Life Insurance Company data. Ideal body weights consider average weights and heights for males and females...

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Does food reward predict changes in weight and body composition during multidisciplinary interventions in adolescents with obesity? Bayesian and frequentist meta-analyses.

Pediatric obesity·2025

The Role of Meal Timing in Appetitive Responses to Acute Exercise in Adolescents with and without Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The Journal of nutrition·2025

The effectiveness of multidisciplinary weight loss interventions is associated with initial cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents with obesity.

Pediatric obesity·2024

Cardiorespiratory fitness has declined among French children since 1999, although the decline appears to be getting smaller.

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports·2024

The association between obesity severity and food reward in adolescents with obesity: a one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis.

European journal of nutrition·2024

The Effects of Using a Cycling Desk at School on Executive Function, Physical Fitness, and Body Composition in Primary School Children: Impact of Socioeconomic Status.

Pediatric exercise science·2023

See all related articles