High-intensity interval training programme for obese youth (HIP4YOUTH): A pilot feasibility study

Recently, there has been growing interest in high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a strategy to improve health. In this pilot study, we examined the feasibility of a 4-week low-volume HIT and its effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), blood pressure (BP) and enjoyment in overweight and obese youth. Twelve adolescents (body mass index (BMI): 34.8 +/- 3.9kg <bold> m</bold>2, 14.9 +/- 1.5years) participated in 12 sessions of HIT (10x60s cycling bouts eliciting similar to 90% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 90s recovery, 30min/session, 3sessions/week) over similar to 4weeks. All the participants completed the study and exercise attendance averaged 92%. Despite no changes in body weight and total fat, HIT resulted in significant (P<0.01) increases in CRF (pre: 20.1 versus post: 22.2ml kg(1) min(1)) and exercise time (pre: 425 versus post: 509s) during peak oxygen uptake test, and a reduction in resting systolic BP (pre: 115.8 versus post: 107.6mmHg). The majority of study participants (83%) enjoyed HIT and more than half of the participants (58%) reported that HIT is a more enjoyable form of exercise compared to other types of exercises. Low-volume HIT is a useful strategy to promote exercise participation and improve cardiovascular health in overweight and obese youth.