Key result
High-intensity interval training improves insulin sensitivity vs moderate-intensity continuous training despite similar weight effects.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition and insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight and obesity.
Does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve insulin sensitivity and body composition compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in adults with overweight and obesity?
Meta-Analysis
Does high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve insulin sensitivity and body composition compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in adults with overweight and obesity?
p-value: p=0.02
In adults with overweight and obesity, HIIT improves insulin sensitivity more than MICT, though both exercise modalities have similar effects on body weight and fat mass.
Supports prioritizing HIIT over MICT for insulin sensitivity in overweight adults; confirms metabolic effects independent of weight or fat mass changes.
Objective: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adults with overweight and obesity. Outcomes, including changes in insulin sensitivity, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat, were analyzed. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. This review is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the number CRD42021281899. Clinical trials involving individuals who are overweight and obese and comparing HIIT with MICT effects on insulin sensitivity, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were included. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched using controlled vocabulary and free-text terms related to HIIT, obesity, and overweight. The search included studies published until September 2022. The Rob2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The results were presented through meta-analyses that provided summary estimators and confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the risk of bias on the outcomes. This research did not receive any specific funding. Results: Of the 2534 articles, 30 met the eligibility criteria. The intervention duration ranged from 4 to 16 weeks. The observed effects for each outcome were as follows: insulin sensitivity (p = 0.02), weight (p = 0.58), BMI (p = 0.53), waist circumference (p = 0.87), body fat percentage (p = 0.07), body fat mass in kilograms (p = 0.39). The level of evidence obtained was moderate except for waist circumference, which was rated as low. Limitations included heterogeneity in training protocols, measurements, and study duration. Additionally, a risk of bias was identified in these studies. Conclusion: HIIT and MICT did not significantly differ in their effects on weight, BMI, waist circumference, or body fat mass in adults with overweight and obesity. However, a moderate beneficial effect of HIIT was observed on insulin sensitivity. Therefore, further evidence is required to confirm these findings.
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Sanca-Valeriano et al. (2023) conducted a meta-analysis in Overweight and obesity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) was evaluated on Insulin sensitivity (p=0.02). High-intensity interval training improved insulin sensitivity compared to moderate-intensity continuous training (p=0.02), but did not significantly differ in effects on weight, BMI, or body fat.
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