Effects of very low volume high intensity versus moderate intensity interval training in obese metabolic syndrome patients: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Physical activity is a cornerstone in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Given the leading physical activity barrier of time commitment and safety concerns about vigorous exercise in high-risk groups, this study aimed to investigate the effects of two extremely time-efficient training protocols (< 30 min time effort per week), either performed as high- (HIIT) or moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) over 12 weeks, in obese MetS patients. In total, 117 patients (49.8 ± 13.6 years, BMI: 38.2 ± 6.2 kg/m2) were randomized to HIIT (n = 40), MIIT (n = 37) or an inactive control group (n = 40). All groups received nutritional counseling to support weight loss. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), MetS severity (MetS z-score), body composition and quality of life (QoL) were assessed pre-and post-intervention. All groups significantly reduced body weight (~ 3%) but only the exercise groups improved VO2max, MetS z-score and QoL. VO2max (HIIT: + 3.1 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001; MIIT: + 1.2 mL/kg/min, p < 0.05) and MetS z-score (HIIT: − 1.8 units, p < 0.001; MIIT: − 1.2 units, p < 0.01) improved in an exercise intensity-dependent manner. In conclusion, extremely low-volume interval training, even when done at moderate intensity, is sufficiently effective to improve cardiometabolic health in obese MetS patients. These findings underpin the crucial role of exercise in the treatment of obesity and MetS.

Effect of Real-Time Online High-Intensity Interval Training on Physiological and Physical Parameters for Abdominally Obese Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

“…According to recent studies, despite a diet plan and exercise, a sedentary lifestyle itself induces abdominal obesity because of pelvic imbalance and reduced core and gluteal muscle strength [9]. Further, a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or higher increases COVID-19-related mortality by causing reduced immune functions [10,11]. However, with professional manpower and administrative focus directed toward measures for disinfection amid the global crisis caused by COVID-19, the gravity of obesity and secondary metabolic disorders is currently underestimated, and measures for their prevention and treatment have been put on hold [4,12].…”

“…High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves a repetition of short, vigorous exercise followed by a short break to maximize energy consumption in a short period of time and is thus known as a time-efficient exercise for metabolizing fat [10]. It has gained popularity since it ranked second in the 2020 ACSM fitness trend [19].…”

“…Recently, studies have proposed that HIIT is more helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases, rapidly improving glucose regulation in patients with diabetes mellitus [19,20], and effectively reducing abdominal fat and blood cytokines in postmenopausal women compared to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) [13]. Additionally, Reljic et al (2020) reported that HIIT is less boring than MICT, while relieving stress [21], increasing physical fitness, and improving vascular functions [10]. Despite the greater health benefits and time efficiency compared to MICT, beginners or obese individuals are reluctant to actively utilize HIIT due to the risk of joint damage or injury [22,23].…”

The effect and safety of high-intensity interval training in the treatment of adolescent obesity: a meta-analysis

“…From the perspective of dose-effect, the exercise dose in weight control is the key to the body's fat-reducing effect. Under the combined conditions of different exercise duration and intermittent time, the exercise intensity that the body can withstand is bound to be different (27,28). This results in different combinations of exercise time and intermittent time to stimulate the body differently, resulting in different fatreducing effects produced by the body.…”

Effects of Biopolymers from Cassava Implanted with Rodent Bait on Wistar Rats

“…According to Eissa and Zidan [29][30], reduction in red blood cell counts could result from the failure of the liver to supply the blood circulation with cells from haemohepatic tissues and the possible destructive effect on red blood cells by anti-nutrientive factors. Since PCV levels reflect the extent and efficiency of oxygen uptake and transfer to tissues [31][32], the low values in the test groups may signify a reduction in the body's metabolic activity [33][34][35].…”