Acute Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Postprandial Glycemia in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background/objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating postprandial glycemia in overweight or obese individuals. This scoping review aims to examine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2008 and 2024 that evaluated the impact of HIIT on acute postprandial glycemic response.

Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed using terms such as "high-intensity interval training (HIIT)" and "postprandial glycemia", combined with Boolean operators, with no restrictions on study type. Electronic databases searched included PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science from their inception through 2024. Of the 67 studies that met the inclusion criteria, five RCTs were selected for final analysis. All selected studies involved individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.

Results: Each of the five included RCTs featured at least one HIIT intervention group, with variations in frequency, duration, intensity, and testing protocols. Despite differences in glucose tolerance test timelines, the glucose-loading protocol (75 g) and exercise interventions demonstrated minimal heterogeneity across studies. The findings suggest that short-term HIIT interventions may positively influence acute postprandial glycemic responses in overweight and obese populations.

Conclusions: Short-term HIIT appears to be a promising intervention for improving postprandial glycemic control in individuals with elevated BMI. Future research is warranted to further elucidate both the acute and long-term effects of HIIT, particularly the role of skeletal muscle in regulating systemic glucose levels in this population.

Keywords: blood glucose; diabetes; exercise; glycaemia; postprandial; review.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of included and excluded studies.