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Review
. 2017 May 29;3(3):258-271.
doi: 10.1002/osp4.109. eCollection 2017 Sep.

High intensity training in obesity: a Meta-analysis

Y Türk  1 , W Theel  2   3 , M J Kasteleyn  4   5 , F M E Franssen  6 , P S Hiemstra  5 , A Rudolphus  1 , C Taube  5 , G J Braunstahl  1
Affiliations
Review

High intensity training in obesity: a Meta-analysis

Y Türk et al. Obes Sci Pract. .

Abstract

Introduction: High Intensity training (HIT) is a time-effective alternative to traditional exercise programs in adults with obesity, but the superiority in terms of improving cardiopulmonary fitness and weight loss has not been demonstrated.

Objective: to determine the effectiveness of HIT on cardiopulmonary fitness and body composition in adults with obesity compared to traditional (high volume continuous) exercise.

Methods: A systematic search of the main health science databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing HIT with traditional forms of exercise in people with obesity. Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The (unstandardized) mean difference of each outcome parameters was calculated and pooled with the random effects model.

Results: HIT resulted in greater improvement of cardiopulmonary fitness (VO2max) (MD 1.83, 95% CI 0.70, 2.96, p<0.005; I2=31%) and a greater reduction of %body fat (MD -1.69, 95% CI -3.10, -0.27, p=0.02, I2=30%) compared to traditional exercise. Overall effect for BMI was not different between HIT and traditional exercise.

Conclusion: Training at high intensity is superior to improve cardiopulmonary fitness and to reduce %body fat in adults with obesity compared to traditional exercise. Future studies are needed to design specific HIT programs for the obese with regard to optimal effect and long-term adherence.

Keywords: Exercise; High intensity training; Obesity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of screening and selection of articles for review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias summary: review authors’ judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Risk of bias graph. Review authors’ judgement about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot of comparison: HIT vs. traditional exercise. Outcome: Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot of comparison: HIIT vs. traditional exercise. Outcome: Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Figure 6
Figure 6
Forest plot of comparison: HIT vs. traditional exercise. Outcome: %body fat
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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