High Intensity Interval Training for Sedentary Lifestyle

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: California State University, San Marcos

Must not be taking: Outcome-altering medications

Disqualifiers: Active, BMI > 35, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Low levels of physical activity (PA) are related to poor health and greater risk of premature death in adults. Lack of time is cited as a primary barrier to partaking in PA. In the last 20 years, a lot of attention has been directed towards the efficacy of high intensity interval training (HIIT), which consists of brief, intense bursts of PA separated by recovery. One primary benefit of HIIT is a sizable increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), which enables adults to exercise better and reduce health risks due to the strong link between health status and CRF.

Completion of cardiovascular exercise is typically recommended for all adults to increase CRF, yet it takes a lot of time and may be perceived as boring. Alternatively, HIIT requires less time and tends to cause greater feelings of enjoyment in many adults. Hundreds of studies report an increase in CRF in response to HIIT in various groups of adults ranging from athletes and those with obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, and even spinal cord injury, which emphasizes the potency of this vigorous form of PA. Yet, many studies are weakened by a small sample size which questions the feasibility of these findings.

This randomized controlled trial will test the efficacy and feasibility of a very small amount of HIIT, referred to as reduced exertion high intensity interval training (REHIT), in inactive adults. In the proposed study, REHIT will consist of 2 days per week of 1 to two 10 - 20 second sprints on a stationary bike. The proposed sample will include 60 adults who complete 18 sessions of REHIT over a 9 week period, and their responses will be compared to a non exercising control group. During the study, changes in CRF, fuel metabolism, and psychological responses will be monitored, with the latter outcome shedding light on the overall feasibility of HIIT in inactive adults.

Overall, this novel study has profound public health applications as it will assess fitness and health related changes to a small dose of PA in the largest sample to date. If substantial changes in CRF are shown, these data have the potential to modify public health guidelines for implementing PA in inactive adults.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Todd A Astorino, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

California State University, San Marcos

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adults under 65 with a BMI less than 35, who lead sedentary lifestyles. It's not suitable for those with joint issues or other health conditions that might interfere with high-intensity exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

I am under 65 years old.

My BMI is under 35.

I am generally healthy.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessments including VO2max testing and substrate metabolism measurements

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo 24 sessions of REHIT over a 12-week period

12 weeks

2 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and other health metrics

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Low Volume Sprint Interval Training

Trial Overview

The study tests the effects of reduced exertion high intensity interval training (REHIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness in inactive adults. Participants will do short sprints on a stationary bike twice weekly over nine weeks and be compared to a non-exercising group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will perform long term REHIT.

Group II: Non exercising control group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

This group will not complete REHIT, and will be given the option to complete the training once post testing is performed.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

California State University, San Marcos

Lead Sponsor

Trials

11

Recruited

2,200+