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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 May 4;17(5):e0266427.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266427. eCollection 2022.

School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stephanie L Duncombe  1   2 , Alan R Barker  2 , Bert Bond  2 , Renae Earle  1 , Jo Varley-Campbell  3 , Dimitris Vlachopoulos  2 , Jacqueline L Walker  1 , Kathryn L Weston  4 , Michalis Stylianou  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stephanie L Duncombe et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Purpose: 1) To investigate the effectiveness of school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions in promoting health outcomes of children and adolescents compared with either a control group or other exercise modality; and 2) to explore the intervention characteristics and process outcomes of published school-based HIIT interventions.

Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception until 31 March 2021. Studies were eligible if 1) participants aged 5-17 years old; 2) a HIIT intervention within a school setting ≥ 2 weeks duration; 3) a control or comparative exercise group; 4) health-related, cognitive, physical activity, nutrition, or program evaluation outcomes; and 5) original research published in English. We conducted meta-analyses between HIIT and control groups for all outcomes with ≥ 4 studies and meta-regressions for all outcomes with ≥ 10 studies. We narratively synthesised results between HIIT and comparative exercise groups.

Results: Fifty-four papers met eligibility criteria, encompassing 42 unique studies (35 randomised controlled trials; 36 with a high risk of bias). Meta-analyses indicated significant improvements in waist circumference (mean difference (MD) = -2.5cm), body fat percentage (MD = -1.7%), body mass index (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -1.0), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = +1.0), resting heart rate (MD = -5bpm), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (MD = -0.7), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD = -0.9) for HIIT compared to the control group. Our narrative synthesis indicated mixed findings between HIIT and other comparative exercise groups.

Conclusion: School-based HIIT is effective for improving several health outcomes. Future research should address the paucity of information on physical activity and nutrition outcomes and focus on the integration and long-term effectiveness of HIIT interventions within school settings.

Trial registration number: PROSPERO CRD42018117567.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram.
HIIT = high-intensity interval training; WoS = Web of Science.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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