Comparison of High-Intensity Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Fat Percentage in Persons With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract

High-intensity training is comprised of sprint interval training (SIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This study compared high-intensity training with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body fat percentage for overweight or obese persons. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials using the health science databases occurred up to April, 2020. Twenty-six studies were included for complete analysis. A total of 784 participations were analyzed. The unstandardized mean difference for each outcome measurement was extracted from the studies and pooled with the random effects model. MICT was significantly better at improving CRF compared with SIT (mean difference = -0.92; 95% confidence interval,-1.63 to -0.21; P = .01; I2 = 10%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between MICT versus HIIT on CRF (mean difference = -0.52; 95% confidence interval,-1.18 to 0.13; P = .12; I2 = 23%). There was no significant difference in body fat percentage between MICT versus HIIT and MICT versus SIT. MICT was significantly better at improving CRF than SIT in overweight or obese persons.