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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
A Real-World High-Intensity Interval Training Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement
Published on: February 22, 2022
The Efficacy and Feasibility of a High Intensity Interval Training Program to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness in
Nicholas D Gilson1, Gregore I Mielke, Jeff S Coombes
1From the University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Australia (N.D.G., G.I.M., W.J.B.); The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Herston Campus, Brisbane, Australia (G.I.M.); School of Medicine and Public Health; Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia (M.J.D.); and Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia (M.J.D.).
Objective:
This cluster-controlled pilot study assessed the efficacy and feasibility of "Fit 2 Drive," a depot-delivered, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program to improve the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of truck drivers.
Methods:
Companies of local delivery drivers (44 men; mean [SD] age = 50.5 [9.8] years; Brisbane, Australia) were assigned to "Fit 2 Drive" (4 clusters; 27 drivers; 1 × 4 minutes supervised to self-managed HIIT, 3 times a week, 12 weeks) or a control (5 clusters; 17 drivers). Analyses assessed between group changes in CRF (VO 2peak ), HIIT session attendance, and delivery costs.
Results:
Driver clusters allocated to "Fit 2 Drive" significantly improved CRF compared to a control (mean difference of 3.6 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; P < 0.019; 95% confidence interval = 0.7-6.5 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ). Drivers who completed the program attended 70% of sessions (25/36) with delivery costs averaging $710 AUD per driver.
Conclusions:
The findings support the efficacy and feasibility of Fit 2 Drive but also highlight challenges for in-person delivery at scale.
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