Comparison of High-Intensity Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Fat Percentage in Persons With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Nivash Rugbeer, Demitri Constantinou, Georgia Torres
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High-intensity training is comprised of sprint interval training (SIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This study compared high-intensity training with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body fat percentage for overweight or obese persons. METHODS: A systematic search of randomized controlled trials using the health science databases occurred up to April, 2020. Twenty-six studies were included for complete analysis. A total of 784 participations were analyzed. The unstandardized mean difference for each outcome measurement was extracted from the studies and pooled with the random effects model. RESULTS: MICT was significantly better at improving CRF compared with SIT (mean difference = -0.92; 95% confidence interval, -1.63 to -0.21; P = .01; I2 = 10%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between MICT versus HIIT on CRF (mean difference = -0.52; 95% confidence interval, -1.18 to 0.13; P = .12; I2 = 23%). There was no significant difference in body fat percentage between MICT versus HIIT and MICT versus SIT. CONCLUSIONS: MICT was significantly better at improving CRF than SIT in overweight or obese persons.