Effects of high-intensity interval training on physical morphology, cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents: A systematic review and metaanalysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-intensity interval training in childrenand adolescents.MethodsEight databases were searched. Descriptive analysis of the efficacy and safety of highintensityinterval training on body shape, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic risk markersof cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. Subgroup analysis was performedusing age, participants, intervention time, and exercise frequency as covariates.Results47 studies included 2995 children and adolescents. The results of the meta-analysisshowed that high-intensity interval training significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitnessindicators (VO2max, SBP, DBP and HRmax) and cardiovascular disease biomarkers (TC andHDL-C). HIIT had no significant effect on body shape indicators (BMI, BF% and WC) or cardiovasculardisease biomarkers (TG and LDL-C).ConclusionCurrently, there is insufficient evidence that HIIT with interval running as the predominantform improves physical indicators in children and adolescents. However, HIIT can be promotedin children and adolescents to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce somemetabolic risk of cardiovascular disease.