Home-Based HIFT Altered Quality of Life and Health Related Fitness Parameters in Women

Abstract

The effects of high intensity functional training (HIFT) on health related components of fitness and quality of life were studied in the gym environment, but there has not been any study on examining the effects of HIFT by using bodyweight exercises at home environment on health related components of fitness and quality of life in women. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of home-based bodyweight HIFT on health related components of physical fitness and quality of life in women. Twenty-one recreationally active female participants (age 26.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. After completing the pretest, participants applied HIFT at home with bodyweight exercises three times a week for a duration of eight weeks. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and quality of life assessments were carried out in both pretest and posttest applications. Significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest results of cardiovascular endurance (p=0.042), muscular strength (p<0.001), muscular endurance (p<0.001) and flexibility (p=0.001) parameters. No significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest results of body composition analysis. Significant improvement (p=0.045) was found on the quality of life scale. Home-based bodyweight HIFT altered quality of life in recreationally active women and enhanced health related components of fitness, which could prevent the increase of health-related risk factors caused by inactivity.