The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT; ie, <= 5 min high-intensity exercise within a <= 15 min session) on cardiometabolic health and body composition. A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to assess the effect of LV-HIIT on cardiometabolic health and body composition. Twenty-one studies (moderate to high quality) with a total of 849 participants were included in this meta-analysis. LV-HIIT increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, SMD 1.19 (0.87 to 1.50)) while lowering systolic blood pressure (SMD -1.44 (-1.68 to -1.20)), diastolic blood pressure (SMD -1.51 (-1.75 to -1.27)), mean arterial pressure (SMD -1.55 (-1.80 to -1.30)), MetS z-score (SMD -0.76 (-1.02 to -0.49)), fat mass (kg) (SMD -0.22 (-0.44 to 0.00)), fat mass (%) (SMD -0.22 (-0.41 to -0.02)), and waist circumference (SMD -0.53 (-0.75 to -0.31)) compared to untrained control (CONTROL). Despite a total time-commitment of LV-HIIT of only 14%-47% and 45%-94% compared to moderate-intensity continuous training and HV-HIIT, respectively, there were no statistically significant differences observed for any outcomes in comparisons between LV-HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-volume HIIT. Significant inverse dose-responses were observed between the change in CRF with LV-HIIT and sprint repetitions (beta -0.52 (-0.76 to -0.28)), high-intensity duration (beta -0.21 (-0.39 to -0.02)), and total duration (beta -0.19 (-0.36 to -0.02)), while higher intensity significantly improved CRF gains. LV-HIIT can improve cardiometabolic health and body composition and represent a time-efficient alternative to MICT and HV-HIIT. Performing LV-HIIT at a higher intensity drives higher CRF gains. More repetitions, longer time at high intensity, and total session duration did not augment gains in CRF.

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