Abstract
Health problems related to a low level of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents have prompted research into extracurricular PA programs. This study was designed to determine the effects of two different levels of PA on the health-related fitness of school children. Ninety-four girls and boys (7-9 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). Over a 12 week study period, children in the CG participated in a similar PA program to that of a standard school physical education program while those in the IG completed a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program. Both programs involved two 40 minute extracurricular sessions per week. Our findings indicate that the HIIT intervention improved motor capacity (speed/agility), Vpeak, VO2 max and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) (p < 0.05) along with the musculoskeletal capacity of the lower trunk (mean propulsive velocity and standing long jump, p < 0.05). The PA program had no effect on anthropometric variables or hand-grip strength. The data indicate that a 12 week strength training program using workloads adapted to children may significantly improve several markers of health and physical fitness compared to a standard school PA program.
Highlights
Concern about growing sedentary behaviour, overweight and obesity[1, 2] along with reduced physical activity (PA) among children[3, 4] has recently prompted a series of investigations designed to assess the benefits of extracurricular PA programs[5,6,7]
The study participants were 52 boys and 42 girls, aged 7–9 years randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 56; 34 boys) that took part in an extracurricular moderate-intensity aerobic PA program or an intervention group (IG, n = 38; 18 boys) that participated in a similar duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) PA program The age range selected was based on criteria that identify the onset of neuromuscular coordination in children[28]
Despite improvements in postintervention VO2 max values recorded in both our intervention and control groups, the greatest effects were produced in the IG to the extent that significant post-intervention differences were observed with respect to the CG despite even lower pre-intervention values
Summary
Concern about growing sedentary behaviour, overweight and obesity[1, 2] along with reduced physical activity (PA) among children[3, 4] has recently prompted a series of investigations designed to assess the benefits of extracurricular PA programs[5,6,7] Such studies have indicated beneficial effects of PA interventions on various health and fitness markers[8,9,10,11,12] as well as diminishing sedentary habits[13, 14]. Other authors have described positive effects of HIIT programs on growth and development[29,30,31], along with improved postural control and stability[32], a spontaneous increase in PA during the day[33], and a reduced risk of injury while playing sport[16]
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