Comparison of the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise Administered Under Physiotherapist Supervision and as a Home-Based Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Individuals
Comparison of the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise Administered Under Physiotherapist Supervision and as a Home-Based Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Individuals
Obesity is a complex disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome; it is also associated with an increased risk of mortality. In addition, obesity is a multifaceted health problem that can adversely affect psychological well-being over time. It may contribute to a sustained vicious cycle by reducing self-esteem, impairing sleep quality, and increasing perceived stress. Hormonal changes occurring during the aging process further emphasize the importance of early intervention for obesity. In this context, incorporating both diet and exercise into daily life represents a powerful strategy for combating obesity. Lack of time is considered one of the major barriers to regular participation in exercise programs. Today, factors such as sedentary lifestyles, demanding work schedules, inadequate stress-coping mechanisms, and impaired body image may reduce individuals' awareness of weight management and healthy living while making it more difficult to develop appropriate strategies. This situation has led researchers to focus on exercise methods that can be implemented effectively within a short period of time. Recent studies have particularly highlighted the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) model, which offers time-efficient exercise. Scientific evidence suggests that HIIT is an effective and time-efficient exercise approach for combating obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of implementing a feasible HIIT training program through supervised online (individualized online training under physiotherapist supervision) and unsupervised (individual home-based exercise) approaches on changes in body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, self-esteem, sleep quality, perceived exertion during exercise, physical activity levels, stress management, and motivation to engage in physical activity. Furthermore, the study aims to implement HIIT training without restrictive dietary support to promote the long-term sustainability of a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to enhance the integration of exercise into daily life under feasible conditions and to achieve positive outcomes among participants.
Obesity is a major concern among noncommunicable diseases in the 21st century. Considered the second leading cause of preventable deaths after smoking, obesity generally results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to the accumulation of excess energy in adipose tissue. Risk factors predisposing individuals to obesity include dietary habits, age, sex, educational level, stress and coping strategies, marital status, number of childbirths, and genetic predisposition. Physical inactivity, which is another major public health concern today, also plays an important role in increasing the risk of obesity. In particular, increased screen time contributes to reduced levels of physical activity and, consequently, to an increase in the prevalence of obesity.
Obesity not only adversely affects physical health but also contributes to a vicious cycle by negatively affecting self-esteem, sleep quality, and perceived stress. Women tend to have a greater propensity for weight gain than men from adolescence onward and may have higher rates of obesity. Obesity predisposes individuals of both sexes to various health conditions. Particular attention should be paid to obesity in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes. In obese men, studies have reported higher incidences of low ejaculate volume, low sperm concentration, and low total sperm count.
Considering the hormonal changes that occur with advancing age, early intervention for obesity is of great importance. In this context, integrating dietary and exercise interventions into daily life has emerged as an effective strategy for combating obesity. Time constraints are considered one of the most common barriers to adherence to exercise programs. Under current conditions, factors such as sedentary lifestyles, limited time, difficulties in coping with stress, and disturbed body image may prevent individuals from having sufficient awareness of the effects of body weight on their health or from identifying appropriate solutions. Therefore, recent studies have focused on exercise training models that can be implemented effectively within a short period of time. Current literature recommends high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as a time-efficient exercise approach. Increasing scientific evidence indicates that HIIT is an effective and time-efficient exercise model for combating obesity.
High-intensity interval training is a form of exercise consisting of short bouts of high-intensity exercise interspersed with lower-intensity recovery periods. HIIT provides a feasible alternative to prolonged high-endurance training, particularly for individuals who experience time constraints in daily life and therefore do not engage in regular exercise.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2019, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was ranked as the leading fitness trend from 2014 to 2018. Current recommendations for meaningful improvements in cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health in adults are to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, accumulated in bouts of at least 10 minutes. As an alternative for individuals with limited time, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recommended as a time-efficient exercise intervention that can provide benefits comparable to those of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
Unlike some dietary approaches, exercise interventions such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are known to induce beneficial changes in body function and composition. This suggests that exercise may help mitigate adverse effects that may arise from combinations involving dietary and pharmacological interventions. Findings from various studies have established that HIIT improves physical function by reducing insulin resistance and hepatic fat accumulation, lowering cardiovascular disease risk, and increasing aerobic capacity and muscle strength.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of implementing a feasible HIIT training program through supervised online (individualized online training under physiotherapist supervision) and unsupervised (individual home-based exercise) approaches on changes in body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, self-esteem, sleep quality, perceived exertion during exercise, physical activity levels, stress management, and motivation to engage in physical activity. Our goal is to enhance the integration of exercise into daily life under feasible conditions and to achieve positive outcomes among participants.
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