The effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on fat loss and cardiometabolic health in pediatric obesity: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The effects of aerobic exercise on fat loss and cardiometabolic health are well-documented, but it is unknown whether a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) elicit a greater health benefit in obese children and adolescents. Methods: Relevant studies in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and CNKI will be searched for studies with language restriction in English and Chinese, which were published from inception to December 1, 2018. Only randomized controlled trials of HIIT on pediatric obesity will be included, and observational studies, prospective cohort studies, and systematic reviews will be excluded. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies; risk of bias assessment and data extraction, and the results are inconsistent when discussed or resolved by a third reviewer. Data analysis and synthesis will be completed by the Revman 5.3 software and Stata 12.0 software. This study will be conducted by following the guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols. Conclusion: This study will be conducted by previously published data, thus ethics approval is not required. This finding will be published in a related peer-reviewed journal and present it at international conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018111308, Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index, GRADE = Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, HIIT = high-intensity interval training, HRpeak = peak heart rate, MD = mean difference, MVPA = moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, MICT = moderate-intensity continuous training, WHO = World Health Organization.