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Published on: February 22, 2022
Effects of plyometric-based high-intensity interval training on muscle-to-fat ratio in children: protocol for a
Ying Liu1, Bjorn T Tam2,3, Sin-Yee Chan4
1Academy of Wellness and Human Development, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Insights
This study investigates plyometric-based high-intensity interval training (Plyo-HIIT) for improving children's muscle-to-fat ratio. Results are pending, but the program shows promise for combating childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood obesity presents significant cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health risks.
- Fat reduction strategies may negatively impact skeletal muscle mass.
- Evaluating interventions to improve muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) in children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a plyometric-based high-intensity interval training (Plyo-HIIT) program.
- To determine if Plyo-HIIT improves muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) in children aged 9-12 years.
- To compare Plyo-HIIT with structured fitness and health education programs.
Main Methods:
- A pragmatic, assessor-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial involving 210 children (aged 9-12).
- Participants assigned to Plyo-HIIT, structured fitness (SF), or health education (HE) groups for 16 weeks.
- Primary outcome: MFR measured by MRI; secondary outcomes include body composition and fitness metrics.
Main Results:
- Participant recruitment completed between September 2024 and March 2025.
- The 16-week intervention phase has concluded.
- Six-month follow-up assessments are ongoing, with final data expected by August 2026. No outcome data are reported in this protocol.
Conclusions:
- The study is expected to demonstrate Plyo-HIIT's effectiveness in enhancing MFR and body composition in children.
- Findings may support integrating Plyo-HIIT into school programs to prevent childhood obesity.
- This research could highlight the specific benefits of plyometric training in primary school settings.
Background:
Childhood obesity is associated with cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health risks. Because fat reduction may be accompanied by loss of skeletal muscle, this trial aims to evaluate whether a plyometric-based high-intensity interval training (Plyo-HIIT) program improves muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) in children aged 9-12 years.
Methods:
This pragmatic, assessor-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial will recruit 210 children aged 9-12 years from primary schools in Hong Kong, China. Participants will be randomly assigned to Plyo-HIIT, structured fitness (SF) program, or the health education (HE) control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each group will engage in two 45-minute weekly sessions for 16 weeks. The Plyo-HIIT program involved developmentally appropriate plyometric exercise (e.g., jumping, skipping). The SF program includes moderate- to high-intensity activities maintaining 60%-80% of maximal heart rate. The HE group will receive weekly health education sessions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be MFR measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes will include body composition, muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, body mass index, physical activity, and cortisol levels.
Results:
Participant recruitment was conducted between September 26, 2024, and March 14, 2025. The 16-week intervention has been completed. However, as one participating cohort delayed the start date of the intervention, the 6-month follow-up assessments are still ongoing, with the final follow-up assessment scheduled for August 2026. No trial outcome data are reported in this protocol article.
Conclusions:
This study is expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness of Plyo-HIIT in improving body composition by increasing the muscle-to-fat ratio among school-age children. This will support the integration of Plyo-HIIT training into school-based physical activity programs, offering a practical and time-efficient strategy to prevent early-onset obesity. By comparing Plyo-HIIT with the SF and HE groups, this study may further demonstrate the value of plyometric training for primary school settings.
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