Effect of Novel High-intensity Interval Training on Health and Fitness Outcomes in English Adolescents

Effect of Novel High-intensity Interval Training on Cardiometabolic Health and Physical Activity Levels in English Adolescents: A School-based Exploratory Controlled Before-and-after Trial

Low-volume high-intensity interval exercise training may improve aspects of health and fitness in young people, but interventions must be practical and engaging. The investigators examined the effect of a novel school-based low-volume high-intensity interval training programme on health, fitness and physical activity outcomes in adolescent school pupils. 101 English adolescents aged 13-14 years took part in the study. Participants were healthy male and female volunteers, recruited from four schools in Northeast England. Using a non-randomised design, two schools took part in the intervention, and two were assigned to the control. Those in the intervention group completed a 10-week school-based high-intensity interval exercise training programme. The intervention took place three times per week, and comprised of 4-7 repetitions of 45 s maximal effort exercise (boxing, dance, soccer and basketball drills), each interspersed with 90-s rest. Participants were encouraged to work maximally during the 45-s repetitions. Control participants were instructed not to change their lifestyle, dietary or physical activity habits during the intervention period, and maintain their normal school physical education routine. Study outcomes were blood lipid and glucose levels, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, carotid intima-media thickness, physical activity levels, serum C-reactive protein levels and blood pressure.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Must attend one of the four schools that the study will take place in
2. Must be in the Year 9 English school year (aged 13-15 years)
3. Must provide parental consent and participant assent
4. Must be free from exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Symptoms of or known presence of heart disease or major atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
2. Condition or injury or co-morbidity affecting the ability to undertake exercise
3. Diabetes mellitus
4. Early family history of sudden cardiac death
5. Condition or disorder which is communicable via blood
6. Pregnancy or likelihood of pregnancy