High-intensity Interval Training And Resistance Training Favor Higher Improves On Cardio-metabolic Health Outcomes Compared With Combined Training Or Nutritional Guidance In Overweight Adults: Cardiometabolic Hiit-rt Study, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee systematically searched existing literature reviews to assess the relationship between high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), or resistance training (RT) and reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk. Against this background, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether 12 weeks of HIIT, RT, combination training (CT = HIIT+RT) or a NG plan induced improvement on metabolic syndrome risk factors, vascular function and physical fitness in sedentary and overweight, and to compare the responses between the four intervention groups. METHODS: The study included a total of 57 sedentary subjects with abdominal obesity or excess weight. Twelve-week randomized parallel design examining the effects of different exercise regimes and/or NG on anthropometric and body composition (fat and lean mass at whole body, trunk fat, fat mass index, appendicular muscle mass, and waist circumference); metabolic syndrome risk factors and vascular parameters (blood lipids, fasting glucose, blood pressure, flow-mediated vasodilation [FMD%], aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index [AIx]); and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength). RESULTS: Adjusted mixed linear models revealed a significant improved in cardiorespiratory fitness (mL·kg·min-1): HIIT +8.3, RT +4.1, and CT +6.3 (all P < 0.001). The improvement difference between the groups was statistically significant between the HIIT and NG group (P = 0.014), [time x group interaction F(23.564); P < 0.001; η2 partial = 0.365]. In addition, RT and CT group, has a significant positive impact on PWV (m·s-1) (d = 0.391 and 0.229 respectively; P < 0.001, [time x group interaction F(5.457); P=0.003; η2 partial = 0.280]. Hereafter, RT group has a significant positive impact on the FMD (%) in comparison to HIIT, CT or NG group (time x group interaction F(2.942); P = 0.044; η2 partial = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: The main findings of this study are that 12 weeks of HIIT leads to significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness while the RT resulted in improvements in the vascular profile, supporting the positive effect of both training programs for cardiometabolic risk factors in sedentary and overweight adults.