Greater effects of high- compared with moderate-intensity interval training on cardio-metabolic variables, blood leptin concentration and ratings of perceived exertion in obese adolescent females.
This study examined the effects of high- vs. moderate-intensity interval training on cardiovascular fitness, leptin levels and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in obese female adolescents. Forty-seven participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving either a 1:1 ratio of 15 s of effort comprising moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT at 80% maximal aerobic speed: MAS) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT at 100% MAS), with matched 15 s recovery at 50% MAS, thrice weekly, or a no-training control group. The HIIT and MIIT groups showed improved (p < 0.05) body mass (BM), BMI Z-score, and percentage of body fat (%BF). Only the HIIT group showed decreased waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.017). The effect of exercise on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was significant (p = 0.019, ES = 0.48 and p = 0.010, ES = 0.57, HIIT and MIIT, respectively). The decrease of rate-pressure product (RPP) (p < 0.05, ES = 0.53 and ES = 0.46, HIIT and MIIT, respectively) followed the positive changes in resting heart rate and blood pressures. Blood glucose, insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin decreased (p < 0.05) in both training groups. Significant decreases occurred in blood leptin (p = 0.021, ES = 0.67 and p = 0.011, ES = 0.73) and in RPE (p = 0.001, ES = 0.76 and p = 0.017, ES = 0.57) in HIIT and MIIT, respectively. In the post-intervention period, blood leptin was strongly associated with %BF (p < 0.001) and VO2max (p < 0.01) in the HIIT and MIIT groups, respectively, while RPE was strongly associated with BM (p < 0.01) in the HIIT group. The results suggest that high-intensity interval training may produce more positive effects on health determinants in comparison with the same training mode at a moderate intensity.
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Racil
CETAPS, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, Mont Saint Aignan, France.
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JB
Coquart
Laboratory of Biomechanics and Biomaterials Research Applied to Orthopedics, National Institute of Orthopedics, Manouba, Tunisia.
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Elmontassar
Sport Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Haddad
Sport Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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R
Goebel
Research Laboratory ''Sport Performance Optimization'', National Center of Medicine and Sciences in Sport (CNMSS),Tunis, Tunisia.
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A
Chaouachi
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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M
Amri
Athelte Health and Performance Research Centre, Aspetar, Qatar; Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
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K
Chamari
Children; Effort perception; Intermittent exercise; Moderate exercise intensity; Obesity