Effects of moderate- vs. high-intensity interval training on physical fitness, enjoyment, and affective valence in overweight/obese female adolescents: a pre-/post-test study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12-week moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) vs. high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, physical fitness, and psychological valence in overweight/obese (OW/OB) female adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight OW/OB female students were randomized into HIIT (n=13), MIIT (n=13) or control (n=12) groups. The participants underwent a 12-week interval-training program at 100% to 110% and 60% to 75% of maximal aerobic speed for HIIT and MIIT, respectively. The control group kept their usual physical activity without completing the training program. Pre- and post-training measurements were performed to assess body composition, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic performance (using selected tests evaluating speed, jumping ability, and strength). Ratings of perceived exertion and the feeling scale were evaluated every three weeks. Enjoyment was measured at the end of the program. A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements was applied to test for "group×time" interactions for body composition, physical fitness, and affective variables.

RESULTS

Significant "group×time" interactions were detected for aerobic and anaerobic performance, body composition indices, and the feeling scale. HIIT resulted in more noticeable improvements in body composition and physical performance than MIIT, while no significant changes were found in the control group. Throughout the program, the feeling score has progressively increased in the MIIT group but decreased in the HIIT group. Ratings of the perceived exertion have increased in both groups, more noticeably in the HIIT group. At the end of the program, the MIIT group showed a higher enjoyment score.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite offering better body composition improvement and physical fitness enhancement, HIIT offered lesser enjoyment and affective valence than MIIT in OW/OB female adolescents. MIIT might be an alternative time-efficient protocol for improving health in this population.

Effect of two incremental intensity field tests on wellness indices, recovery state, and physical enjoyment in soccer players

OBJECTIVE

Competitive athletes must undergo fitness testing to monitor athlete progress and to create appropriate, progressive training programs. However, fitness testing adds to training stress; therefore, impacts of testing on wellness and recovery must be considered in test selection. This study investigated the effects of two incremental field tests [VAMEVAL test (T-VAM) and 20-m maximum shuttle test (20-m MST)] on wellness, total quality of recovery (TQR) and physical enjoyment (PE) in competitive soccer players.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-two soccer players (20.9±1.5 years) completed two T-VAM and two 20-m MST in a randomized order on separate days with a 1-week interval between tests. TQR and wellness indices (sleep, fatigue, stress and muscle soreness) measures were collected before and 24 hours after each test. Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored during each test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and PE were assessed after each test.

RESULTS

T-VAM resulted in higher PE, TQR and wellness scores than 20-m MST (p<0.05). T-VAM and 20-m MST resulted in similar HR and maximal aerobic speed. For T-VAM, TQR was correlated (p<0.01) with RPE and wellness indices. For 20-m MST, TQR was correlated (p<0.01) with wellness indices. HRmax and RPE were not correlated with wellness indices, TQR or PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, T-VAM and 20-m MST produced similar aerobic fitness testing results, but athletes responded more favorably to T-VAM. Coaches can use T-VAM for evaluating aerobic fitness while maximizing well-being and physical enjoyment among soccer players.