The influence of 2 weeks of low-volume high-intensity interval training on health outcomes in adolescent boys

Abstract

The present study aimed to establish whether 2 weeks of high-intensity interval training would have a beneficial effect on aerobic fitness, fat oxidation, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) in healthy adolescent boys. Ten adolescent boys (15.1 ± 0.3 years, 1.3 ± 0.2 years post-estimated peak height velocity) completed six sessions of Wingate-style high-intensity interval training over a 2-week period. The first session consisted of four sprints with training progressed to seven sprints in the final session. High-intensity interval training had a beneficial effect on maximal O2 uptake (mean change, ±90% confidence intervals: 0.19 L · min(-1), ±0.19, respectively), on the O2 uptake at the gas exchange threshold (0.09 L · min(-1), ±0.13) and on the O2 cost of sub-maximal exercise (-0.04 L · min(-1), ±0.04). A beneficial effect on the contribution of lipid (0.06 g · min(-1), ±0.06) and carbohydrate (-0.23 g · min(-1), ±0.14) oxidation was observed during sub-maximal exercise, but not for the maximal rate of fat oxidation (0.04 g · min(-1), ±0.08). Systolic blood pressure (1 mmHg, ±4) and BMI (0.1 kg · m2, ±0.1) were not altered following training. These data demonstrate that meaningful changes in health outcomes are possible in healthy adolescent boys after just six sessions of high-intensity interval training over a 2-week period.

The effectiveness of a high-intensity games intervention on improving indices of health in young children

“…This is in contrast to previous research which has shown similar or greater submaximal O 2 values following either HIIT or a traditional endurance-focused training programme (Baquet et al, 2002;McManus et al, 2005). It may be postulated that this finding, coupled with the elevated O 2 peak, demonstrates an enhanced exercise tolerance in the children who participated in the exercise intervention, similar to previous research (Barker et al, 2014;Sperlich et al, 2011).…”

“…Although these findings are encouraging, previous studies have tended to prescribe exercise with a focus on cycling and running (Baquet et al, 2010;Barker, Day, Smith, Bond, & Williams, 2014;Lau et al, 2014;McManus, Cheng, Leung, Yung, & Macfarlane, 2005). However, Biddle, Gorley and Stensel (2004) have questioned the utility of structured activity programmes for children, suggesting that the provision of such programmes inadequately prepares children for the typically unstructured nature of adult activity.…”

“…Previous research has shown that HIIT is a highly effective training method for both adults (Gibala, Little, MacDonald, & Hawley, 2012;Hottenrott, Ludyga, & Schulze, 2012) and children (Baquet et al, 2010;Barker et al, 2014;Corte de Araujo et al, 2012;Lau et al, 2014). Lau et al (2014) have recently demonstrated that a six-week HIIT intervention was effective in improving functional walking ability and endurance performance in a cohort of overweight children, aged 9-11 years.…”

Reliability of autonomic and vascular components of baroreflex sensitivity in adolescents

“…VO 2 max was obtained and verified breath-by-breath (Cortex Metalyzer III B, Leipzig, Germany) using a combined incremental-supramaximal treadmill protocol (Barker et al, 2014). Participants, with assistance from their parents/guardians, completed a health questionnaire before participation and were free of conditions, such as asthma, congenital heart disease and hypertension, amongst others that could alter autonomic and vascular functions.…”

High-intensity interval training

“…The efficacy of a two week shock microcycle of HIIT to enhance cycling performance in young triathletes has been assessed using average power output (PO in watts) during a 20 min 44 . Whilst it can be argued that most young people rarely exercise at intensities that would elicit peak V O 2 , it has a strong empirical relationship with cardiometabolic health; therefore, the results from health-focused HIIT studies including MSFT will be included.…”