The Effect of Moderate Versus High-Intensity Interval Exercise Intervention on Exercise Motivation, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Physically Inactive College Students

Abstract

Background. Despite well-established evidence that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) promotes multiple health benefits across various populations, the effectiveness of this protocol, as opposed to moderate-intensity interval exercise (MIIE), on individual wellness and exercise motivation is unclear. Objectives. The present study examined the effect of different work intensities on exercise motivation, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and mental health in physically inactive college students. Methods. Twenty-four inactive college students (aged 20.8±1.2 years; PA levels=448±80 MET-min/week) were randomized to 12 weeks of HIIE (n=12; 6-10×1-min work-intervals at 90% of MAS) or MIIE (n=12; 6-10×1-min work-intervals at 60% of MAS), both for three days in a week (36 sessions). All the parameters were measured before and after 12 weeks of exercise intervention. Results. HIIE generated more significant improvement in anxiety and depression scores following a 12-week intervention compared to MIIE (all P<0.001, all ES>1.25). Also, the HIIE group elicited an improvement from baseline in overall HRQOL variables (all P<0.03, ES>0.50) compared to only two HRQOL variables in the MIIE group (all P<0.04, ES>0.30). A significant improvement in intrinsic and identified scores was observed after the HIIE intervention (all P<0.02, ES>0.57). In contrast, the MIIE group elicited more excellent external and amotivation scores following exercise intervention (all P<0.02, ES>0.71). Conclusion. The present study's findings establish that the HIIE intervention seems more advantageous in promoting optimal wellness and self-determined motivation among physically inactive college students.