HIIT vs MICT Exercise for Sedentary Lifestyle
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how two types of exercise—high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT)—affect health in people with a sedentary lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, researchers will examine changes in fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. The trial suits individuals who have been mostly inactive for the past year, engaging in less than an hour of structured exercise per week. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to improve health and fitness through structured exercise.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications to join the trial. The study excludes participants who have used any new drug or changed the dose of any drug in the last 3 months, and those taking specific medications like anticoagulants, beta blockers, and others listed in the exclusion criteria.
What prior data suggests that these exercise interventions are safe for sedentary individuals?
Research has shown that both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) are generally safe for most people. Studies indicate that HIIT can improve fitness and reduce body fat, though there is a small risk of nonfatal heart-related incidents. For example, one study found 2 nonfatal heart attacks for every 46,364 hours of high-intensity exercise, indicating these events are rare. About 23% of people stop doing HIIT, but serious problems are uncommon.
MICT is also well-tolerated and known to improve heart health. Most research suggests it benefits both the heart and brain. Both types of exercise can help reduce sitting time and improve overall health when done with proper screening and guidance.
In summary, both HIIT and MICT are considered safe with the right precautions, especially when participants undergo screening to ensure they are healthy enough for exercise.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it compares two distinct exercise methods, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and MICT (Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training), to see which is more effective for people with a sedentary lifestyle. Unlike traditional recommendations that often suggest moderate exercise like brisk walking or cycling, HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity followed by rest, which might offer a more efficient way to improve fitness in less time. MICT, on the other hand, maintains a steady, moderate pace and is already a well-known approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. The trial aims to uncover which exercise method could be more beneficial in improving health outcomes for inactive individuals, potentially reshaping exercise guidelines for sedentary lifestyles.
What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise interventions could be effective for improving health outcomes in sedentary individuals?
This trial will compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for sedentary individuals. Research has shown that HIIT, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively improves exercise ability and heart and lung health. Studies suggest that HIIT can significantly reduce body fat, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio while increasing aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Meanwhile, MICT, another treatment option in this trial, also benefits heart health in inactive adults, but HIIT often proves more effective for certain fitness improvements. Both HIIT and MICT can enhance overall health, but HIIT might offer more noticeable results in a shorter time. These findings strongly support that exercise, whether HIIT or MICT, can greatly improve fitness and health in people with inactive lifestyles.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy adults over 18 who have been mostly inactive in the past year, with a BMI between >18 and <40. Participants should not be pregnant or planning pregnancy soon, nor have conditions like diabetes, abnormal bleeding, thyroid disease, severe heart issues, high blood pressure, extreme cholesterol levels, recent cancer treatment (except skin cancer), chronic infections or kidney problems. They shouldn't use certain medications or consume excessive alcohol/tobacco.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for 12 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in health parameters such as multiomics profile, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor