Web-based high-intensity interval training with calorie restriction for workplace metabolic-syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent in middle-aged workers.
• Busy schedules hinder lifestyle changes like cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and caloric restriction (CR).
• Time-efficient interventions are crucial for integrating healthy habits into demanding work routines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a workplace intervention using web-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and caloric restriction (CR).
• To assess the program's impact on employees' MetS, CRF, and physical activity (PA).

Main Methods:

• An 11-week intervention involving 37 employees with 26 completing a 1-year follow-up.
• Program components included online CR lectures, HIIT sessions, and motivational management.
• Primary outcomes: body composition, MetS factors (BP, triglycerides, HDL, glucose), VO2peak. Secondary outcome: PA intensity.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in body weight, blood pressure, and triglycerides, sustained at 1-year follow-up (P<0.01).
• CR lecture adherence was 67%, HIIT adherence was 52%.
• CRF and PA levels returned to baseline by 1-year follow-up, despite initial improvements.

Conclusions:

• Web-based HIIT and CR programs effectively improved MetS in a workplace setting.
• The intervention demonstrated sustained long-term benefits for key MetS indicators.