Development and content validation of a bodyweight-based HIIT training module for Chinese college students

Background Physical fitness levels among Chinese college students have declined in recent years, representing a growing public health concern. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient exercise modality with well-documented physiological benefits; however, validated HIIT training modules specifically tailored for Chinese college students remain limited. Purpose This study aimed to develop and establish the content validity of a bodyweight-based HIIT training module tailored for Chinese college students. Methods This methodological study employed a modified Delphi technique. HIIT movements were identified through a systematic literature review of studies published between 2014 and 2025. In the first round, 10 college physical education teachers screened the identified movements for feasibility and practicality. In the second round, nine experts evaluated the retained movements using Lawshe’s method to determine the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and a four-point Likert scale to assess the Content Validity Index (CVI). Movements meeting the predefined validity thresholds were retained. Results Twenty eligible studies were included, from which 48 HIIT movements were extracted. Following expert screening, 36 movements were excluded. Of the remaining 12 movements, eight (High Knees, Jumping Lunges, Jumping Jacks, Bodyweight Squats, Burpees, Butt Kicks, Mountain Climbers, and Push-ups) met the predefined criteria and were retained. All retained movements demonstrated acceptable item-level validity (I-CVI ≥ 0.78), and the overall scale-level validity was excellent (S-CVI = 0.976), indicating strong expert agreement. Conclusion This study developed a bodyweight-based HIIT training module with excellent content validity for Chinese college students. The content-validated module provides a structured and accessible framework for exercise implementation and may serve as a foundation for future intervention studies to evaluate its effectiveness in improving physical fitness and related health outcomes.