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Review
. 2023 Oct;21(4):354-365.
doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Chronic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training are both effective in increasing maximum fat oxidation during exercise in overweight and obese adults: A meta-analysis

Mingyue Yin  1 , Zhili Chen  1 , George P Nassis  2   3 , Hengxian Liu  1 , Hansen Li  4 , Jianfeng Deng  1 , Yongming Li  1   5
Affiliations
Review

Chronic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training are both effective in increasing maximum fat oxidation during exercise in overweight and obese adults: A meta-analysis

Mingyue Yin et al. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: to (1) systematically review the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) in overweight and obese adults, and (2) explore MFO influencing factors and its dose-response relationships with HIIT and MICT.

Methods: Studies using a between-group design involving overweight and obese adults and assessing the effect of HIIT and MICT on MFO were included. A meta-analysis on MFO indices was conducted, and the observed heterogeneities were explored through subgroup, regression, and sensitivity analyses.

Results: Thirteen studies of moderate to high quality with a total of 519 overweight and obese subjects were included in this meta-analysis (HIIT, n = 136; MICT, n = 235; Control, n = 148). HIIT displayed a statistically significant favorable effect on MFO compared to no-training (MD = 0.07; 95%CI [0.03 to 0.11]; I2 = 0%). Likewise, MICT displayed a statistically significant favorable effect on MFO compared to no-training (MD = 0.10; 95%CI [0.06 to 0.15]; I2 = 95%). Subgroup and regression analyses revealed that exercise intensity (Fatmax vs. non-Fatmax; %VO2peak), exercise mode, BMI, and VO2peak all significantly moderated MICT on MFO. When analyzing studies that have directly compared HIIT and MCIT in obese people, it seems there is no difference in the MFO change (MD = 0.01; 95%CI [-0.02 to 0.04]; I2 = 64%). No publication bias was found in any of the above meta-analyses (Egger's test p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: Both HIIT and MICT are effective in improving MFO in overweight and obese adults, and they have similar effects. MCIT with an intensity of 65-70% VO2peak, performed 3 times per week for 60 min per session, will optimize MFO increases in overweight and obese adults. Given the lack of studies examining the effect of HIIT on MFO in overweight and obese adults and the great diversity in the training protocols in the existing studies, we were unable to make sound recommendations for training.

Keywords: High-intensity interval training (HIIT); Maximal fat oxidation (MFO); Meta-analysis; Metabolism; Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT); Obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflicts and interests relevant to the content of this review.

Figures

Image 1
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram for included and excluded studies.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The effect of HIIT on MFO compared with no-training (g/min). The effects are presented as mean difference (95% CI) in grams per minute.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The effect of MICT on MFO compared with no-training (g/min). The effects are presented as mean difference (95% CI) in grams per minute.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Dose–response effects of MICT on MFO: results of meta-regression analysis for predictors related to the training. The effects are presented as the mean difference in grams per minute. A positive value indicates a larger increase in MFO because of MICT. The dashed line represents the 95% CI of the regression line.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
The effect of HIIT on MFO compared with MICT (g/min). The effects are presented as mean difference (95% CI) in grams per minute.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Funnel plot for the meta-analysis on the effect of training on MFO (g/min).
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Certainty of evidence on (1) the effectiveness of HIIT on MFO (2) the effectiveness of MICT on MFO and (3) the difference between the effects of HIIT and MICT.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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