Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on university students’ physiological variables. 40 male sports science students with an age range between 18-25 years were randomly assigned to the HIIT group (n=20) and control (C) group (n=20). The experiment group underwent eight weeks of HIIT, whereas, C group do not. Pre and posttest measurements of physiological variables like resting heart rate (RHR), respiratory rate (RR), recovery heart rate (RcHR), breath holding time (BHT), VO2 max and blood pressure BP) were made for all subjects before and after the intervention. To compare the mean physiological variables between the experiment and control groups, an independent sample t-test was employed. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Following the exercise intervention, the experiment group shows significantly better improvements than the control group in, RHR, RR, BHT, VO2 max, and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). Thus, it was concluded that eight weeks of HIIT show a significant improvement in the physiological variables of university students.
Highlights
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a well-known, time-efficient training method for improving cardiorespiratory and metabolic function and, in turn, physical performance in athletes [1,2]
The mean age, body mass, height, body mass index of the experimental groups were 21.15 years, 62.93 k.g., 1.69 meters, and 22.34 respectively, whereas the control groups were with 20.95 years, 62.45 k.g., 1.69 meters, and 21.81 respectively
Significant difference was observed in the mean resting heart rate with MD=-13.80, P-value
Summary
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a well-known, time-efficient training method for improving cardiorespiratory and metabolic function and, in turn, physical performance in athletes [1,2]. High-intensity training relative to the individual’s maximal oxygen uptake is feasible even in elderly patients with chronic heart failure and severely impaired cardiovascular function [3]. Despite the fact that exercise at a high relative intensity seems to induce larger beneficial adaptation in the cardiovascular system, we do not know whether this type of training is safe in larger patient cohorts and whether it affects complication rates in patients more favorably than exercise at low-to-moderate intensity [7]. In overweight/obese populations, performing high-intensity interval training results in significant, positive, physiological adaptations that improve cardio-metabolic health and may reduce the development and progression of disease-related risk factors that are associated with overweight/obesity and low aerobic fitness. Short-term high-intensity interval training beneficially influenced waist circumference, VO2 max, fasting glucose, and diastolic blood pressure, whereas Long-term high-intensity interval training, Assegid Ketema: Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on Physiological Variables of University Students was found to beneficially influence waist circumference, percent of body fat, VO2 max, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in overweight/obese populations [6, 9,10,11,12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call