HIIT vs. Endurance Training Study: 12-week Training Intervention Research
Click here to learn more about enrolling in this study.
From coaches to clinicians, there is no consensus on which type of exercise is best for maximizing aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health. We want to better understand how different types of exercise impact individuals on a physiological and molecular level. In this study, we will explore two of the most popular methods of exercise training: moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT).
What is MICT?
MICT is characterized by longer durations of sustained “endurance” activity at a moderate intensity, usually for 30-60 minutes. Common examples of MICT could include jogging, cycling, swimming, or playing pick-up sports. In this study, participants will jog or run for 20-40 minutes continuously.
What is HIIT?
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular alternative to MICT that takes less time to complete and is characterized by shorter bouts of intense exercise. HIIT in this study consists of shorter, very intense intervals of 1 minute, accompanied by intermediate rest periods of 1 minute. This is an attractive training regimen as many report lack of time to be a major barrier for performing regular physical activity.
In our study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: i) HIIT, ii) MICT, or iii) control. For those in the HIIT or MICT groups, you will complete a 12-week training program consisting of 3 days per week of their respective training types. Those in the control group will continue their current lifestyle with the option to obtain the training paradigms at the completion of their participation in the study.
Why participate?
Want to participate in a 12 week MICT or HIIT intervention? We hypothesize that we will see changes in clinical measures such as cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, visceral fat, and fasting glucose levels after the exercise intervention. You will also learn about changes in your heart structure and function after the intervention.
Ultimately, we hope that new mechanistic insights into the effects of different exercise modalities can be used to optimize and individualize exercise prescriptions for precision health. Identification of these mechanisms holds great promise for discovery of novel therapeutic targets for disease prevention and treatment, particularly for people unable to perform regular exercise.
I’m Interested! What do I have to do?
See if you are eligible to participate! Visit our study website here for more details.
