Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on Cardiac Function in Children with Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

BackgroundHigh intensity interval training (HIIT) confers superior cardiovascular health benefits to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) in adults and may be efficacious for improving diminished cardiac function in obese children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HIIT, MICT and nutrition advice interventions on resting left ventricular (LV) peak systolic tissue velocity (S′) in obese children. MethodsNinety-nine obese children were randomised into one of three 12-week interventions, 1) HIIT [n = 33, 4 × 4 min bouts at 85–95% maximum heart rate (HRmax), 3 times/week] and nutrition advice, 2) MICT [n = 32, 44 min at 60–70% HRmax, 3 times/week] and nutrition advice, and 3) nutrition advice only (nutrition) [n = 34]. ResultsTwelve weeks of HIIT and MICT were equally efficacious, but superior to nutrition, for normalising resting LV S′ in children with obesity (estimated mean difference 1.0 cm/s, 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 1.6 cm/s, P < 0.001; estimated mean difference 0.7 cm/s, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 1.3 cm/s, P = 0.010, respectively). ConclusionsTwelve weeks of HIIT and MICT were superior to nutrition advice only for improving resting LV systolic function in obese children.