Effects of high-intensity interval training on different health outcomes among high school students in southern Brazil: Protocol for a cluster-randomized trial

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Introduction: Although the benefits of regular physical activity on mental health parameters and cognitiv performance are evident, there is a high prevalence of physical inactivity among adolescents. Therefore, it is important to identify exercise strategies that encourage greater participation within this population. Objective: To evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the mental health and cognitive performance of school-aged adolescents. Methods: This is a single center, two-arm (intervention and control) cluster randomized trial protocol. Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years were exposed to the intervention for 6 weeks. The primary outcomes are mental health symptoms, measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale for adolescents, cognitive profile, inhibitory control, and executive function, measured by the General Cognitive Assessment Battery – Cognifit, Stroop Color Test and Trail Making Test, respectively. Secondary outcomes include weight and Body Mass Index, waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness. The results will be analyzed according to the protocol and on an intention-to-treat basis. The effects of the intervention will be analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations, using linear and Poisson models, incorporating time variables, group, an interaction term and adjustment covariates. A significance level of 5% will be adopted for all two-tailed tests. Final considerations: This study is expected to produce results that can recommend HIIT as an effective training strategy for mental health and cognitive performance of adolescents. Trial record: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC (RBR-733y6zq).

This protocol outlines a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the effects of a 6-week HIIT program on mental health and cognitive performance in adolescents.