Key result
High-Intensity Interval Training significantly improved VO2max compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise in older adults (weighted mean difference 1.80, p < 0.001).
Why the study?
Whether HIIT is more effective than MICT in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity in older adults remains controversial.
Does supervised High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) improve cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity in older adults compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICT)?
Population
Older adults
Comparison
HIIT vs MICT
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
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HIIT superior to MICT for VO2max and exercise capacity gains in older adults; confirms and extends prior evidence for first-line use.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,973)
Does supervised High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) improve cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity in older adults compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICT)?
Mean Difference: 1.8 (95% CI 1.25–2.35)
p-value: p=< 0.001
In older adults, HIIT is more effective than MICT for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) and exercise capacity, with optimal results seen in protocols of shorter duration (<12 weeks) and moderate frequency (3 times/week).
Yang et al. (2023) conducted a meta-analysis in Cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity in older adults (n=1,973). High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICT) was evaluated on VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake) (WMD 1.80, 95% CI 1.25-2.35, p=< 0.001). High-Intensity Interval Training significantly improved VO2max compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise in older adults (weighted mean difference 1.80, p < 0.001).
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