The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Body Mass Index and Cardiopulmonary Function in Obese College Students

Abstract

Objective: To observe the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on body mass index (BMI) and cardiopulmonary function in obese college students.Methods: Fifty obese students from the first to third year of our university were randomly selected to participate in this study and were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 students in each group participating in different training programs. The groups were divided into HIIT and MICT groups, respectively, and they participated in high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training for 3 months. Before and after the different interventions, the average BMI, vital capacity, and resting heart rate were measured.Results: There was no significant difference in BMI measurements between the two groups of obese college students before the intervention (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, both groups showed a significant decrease in average BMI compared to before the intervention (P<0.05). After the intervention, the average BMI of the MICT group was significantly lower than that of the HIIT group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in vital capacity and resting heart rate measurements between the two groups of obese college students before the intervention (P>0.05). After different interventions, both groups showed a significant increase in average vital capacity and a significant decrease in average resting heart rate compared to before the intervention (P<0.05). After the intervention, the average resting heart rate of the MICT group was significantly lower than that of the HIIT group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training can significantly improve BMI and cardiopulmonary function in obese college students, with moderate-intensity continuous training having certain advantages in improving BMI and resting heart rate.