Comparison of Two High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Two Weeks on Fat Oxidation, Body Fat Percentage and Vo2max in Overweight Young Men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 6 sessions of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on fat oxidation, VO2max and body fat percentage in sedentary overweight young males. Materials and Methods: Overall, 16 inactive young males voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided to 2 Groups: Group A (HIIT-1) and Group B (HIIT-2). Two groups performed 3 HIIT sessions per week for 2 weeks. Group A (4 × 1 min /4 min R) and Group B (4×30s /2 min R) performed maximal sprint running within a 20 m area. Respiratory gas was collected 24 hours before and after the exercise protocol in a fasting state. Independent t test and paired t test were applied using the SPSS-18 software to analyze the data. Results: Statistical analysis showed that 6 sessions of HIIT led to an increase of 43% of fatty oxidation in Group A during the exercise test; these changes were significant compared to Group B (P <0.05). Changes in weight and body fat were significant in group A (P <0.05). Also, results showed a significant increase in VO2max in Group A (5.19%) and Group B (4%). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it appears that 6 sessions of HIIT led to improvement of fatty oxidation and store glycogen. In conclusion, it appears that HIIT, in addition to reducing body fat and increasing aerobic fitness, is a time efficient means for decreasing weight and improving oxidation capacity in sedentary overweight young males.