Low-frequency HIIT improves body composition and aerobic capacity in overweight men

  • Edwin C. Chin
  • , Angus P. Yu
  • , Christopher W. Lai
  • , Daniel Y. Fong
  • , Derwin K. Chan
  • , Stephen H. Wong
  • , Fenghua Sun
  • , Heidi H. Ngai
  • , Patrick S.H. Yung
  • , Parco M. Siu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background The relationship between the frequency of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the resultant adaptations is largely unclear. Purpose This study compared the effects of different frequencies of HIIT with those of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on body composition in overweight or obese adults. Methods Fifty-six overweight or obese (body mass index = 26.4 ± 2.9) men between 18 and 30 yr old (age = 22.8 ± 3.1 yr) were randomly assigned to the following groups: no-intervention control (CON; n = 14), MICT performed thrice weekly (MICT×3/wk; n = 9), HIIT performed thrice weekly (HIIT×3/wk; n = 14), HIIT performed twice weekly (HIIT×2/wk; n = 10), and HIIT performed once weekly (HIIT×1/wk; n = 9). Each HIIT session consisted of 12 × 1-min bouts at 90% heart rate reserve, interspersed with 11 × 1-min bouts at 70% heart rate reserve. Aerobic capacity, body composition, resting heart rate, vascular function, insulin resistance, and biomarkers of metabolic syndrome risk factor were examined at baseline, after 4 wk, and after 8 wk of intervention. Results Aerobic capacity and percent fat-free mass significantly increased in all exercise groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all exercise groups, P < 0.05), whereas body fat mass and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased after 8 wk of intervention in all exercise groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all exercise groups, P < 0.05). Body fat mass significantly decreased after 4 wk in all HIIT groups compared with those in the CON group (CON vs all HIIT groups, P < 0.05) but not in the MICT×3/wk group. Conclusion These novel results demonstrated that performing HIIT once weekly, even with a lower weekly volume of exercise, improved cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood pressure in overweight/obese adults. Low-frequency HIIT might be a feasible and effective strategy for the prescription of an initial exercise program for inactive, overweight, or obese young men.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)56-66
Number of pages11
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume52
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • AEROBIC EXERCISE
  • EXERCISE FREQUENCY
  • EXERCISE INTENSITY
  • HIIT
  • HIT
  • INTERVAL EXERCISE

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Low-frequency HIIT improves body composition and aerobic capacity in overweight men'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this