Home-Based High Intensity Interval Training Intervention for Low Active Adults

The Effect of a Home-Based High Intensity Interval Training Intervention on Increasing Exercise Among Low Active Adults

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of a home-based high intensity interval training intervention on exercise among low active adults (defined as engaging in exercise 90 minutes or less per week). Participants will be randomly assigned to a HIIT-based intervention or a wait-list control each lasting 12 weeks (participants in the wait-list control condition will have the option of receiving the HIIT intervention following the 12 weeks).

The intervention will be a 12-week high intensity interval training workout that will consist of home-based exercise sessions prescribed by the exercise counselor. The exercise sessions will be based on exercises the participant can confidentially engage in (regular push-ups vs. knee push-ups vs. wall push-ups). The goal will be to engage in three exercise sessions per week. The participants will receive weekly telephone calls during the first month and bi-weekly calls during months 2 and 3. The exercise counselor will also engage in dialogue that will motivate the participant to exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 and older
• Exercising for 90 minutes or less each week
• Access to the Internet

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of coronary heart disease (history of myocardial infarction, symptoms of angina)
• Orthopedic problems that would limit physical activity participation
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Any other medical condition that may make physical activity unsafe or unwise.
• Current or planned pregnancy
• Psychosis or current suicidal ideation
• Psychiatric hospitalization within the last six months