title: Is high-intensity interval training more effective on improving cardiometabolic risk and aerobic capacity than other forms of exercise in overweight and obese youth? A meta-analysis.
abstract: The scientific interest in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has greatly increased during recent years.
  
  
  
  The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on cardio-metabolic risk factors and aerobic capacity in overweight and obese youth, in comparison with other forms of exercise.
  
  
  
  A computerized search was made using seven databases.
  
  
  
  The analysis was restricted to studies that examined the effect of HIIT interventions on cardio-metabolic and/or aerobic capacity in pediatric obesity (6-17 years old).
  
  
  
  Nine studies using HIIT interventions were selected (n = 274).
  
  
  
  Standarized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The DerSimonian-Laird approach was used.
  
  
  
  HIIT interventions (4-12 week duration) produced larger decreases in systolic blood pressure (SMD = 0.39; -3.63 mmHg) and greater increases in maximum oxygen uptake (SMD = 0.59; 1.92 ml/kg/min) than other forms of exercise. Also, type of comparison exercise group and duration of study were moderators.
  
  
  
  HIIT could be considered a more effective and time-efficient intervention for improving blood pressure and aerobic capacity levels in obese youth in comparison to other types of exercise. © 2016 World Obesity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: García-Hermoso
authors.affiliation: Social and Health Care Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cerrillo-Urbina
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Herrera-Valenzuela
authors.affiliation: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cristi-Montero
authors.affiliation: Physical Activity, Physical Education, Sport and Health Research Centre, Sports Science Department, School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Saavedra
authors.affiliation: Social and Health Care Research Center, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martínez-Vizcaíno
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D000072696:High-Intensity Interval Training; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
keywords: Cardiorespiratory fitness; childhood obesity; intensity training; intermittent training