Psychophysiological and Cognitive Responses to Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Overweight-to-Obese Adults

The Roles of Psychophysiological Stress and Cognitive Markers on Perceptual Responses During Low-volume High-intensity Interval Exercise in Overweight-to-obese Adults

This study aims to explore how stress-related hormones and psychological traits influence people's feelings and perceptions during a short and intense form of exercise called low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (Lv-HIIE). Adults with overweight or obesity participated in a supervised 10-week cycling program consisting of repeated one-minute high-intensity efforts separated by short recovery periods.

The research examines how psychophysiological stress markers (such as cortisol and ACTH), cognitive traits (such as goal orientation and hardiness), and perceptual responses (such as exertion, mood, and enjoyment) change over time. Findings from this study may help develop exercise programs that are more enjoyable, sustainable, and personalized for individuals with higher body-mass categories.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female between the ages of 20-35 years old
• BMI of 23 kg.m² to 30 kg.m2
• Medically fit to exercise.
• Physically inactive individuals (do not achieve 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise/PA for a week).

Exclusion Criteria:

• smokers.
• free from any metabolic diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and hyperglycaemia.
• not using any medication or substance known to influence cardiorespiratory or metabolic responses to exercise
• previously participated in a specific training program within the past 6 months before the exercise interventions.
• contraindications to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) such as musculoskeletal injuries.