We analyzed the interindividual heterogeneity in health responses to a supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Two hundred and sixty-four adults with overweight/obesity (56.3 +/- 7.3 yr, body mass index: 32.3 +/- 4.7 kg/m 2) and MetS were randomized to a standard health care nonexercise group (CONT group, n = 58) or standard health care plus HIIT (EXER group, n = 206). HIIT intervention was performed on a cycloergometer thrice a week (43 min/session). MetS components (ie, MetS z score), cardiorespiratory fitness (Vo2peak), maximal cycling power (WPEAK), and body weight/composition was assessed in both groups before (0 wk) and after the intervention (16 wk). Individual responses in the EXER group were considered attributable to HIIT when the improvements were larger than twice the typical error (> 2TE). TE was calculated using pre- and postintervention data from the time-matched CONT group. The percentage of participants who improved MetS z score beyond 2TE was 51% driven by reductions in blood pressure (45%) and waist circumference (48%). Blood lipids and glucose response were only 21% and 16%, respectively (participants improving beyond 2TE). Sixty percent of individuals who improved MetS z score also improved Vo2peak (r -0.013; p = 0.86), whereas 85% of individuals improving MetS z score also improved WPEAK (r 0.151; p = 0.03). In summary, health providers can expect that a 16-wk HIIT program would indisputably improve MetS in approximately 50% of individuals completing the program. Finally, WPEAK better predicts which individuals would improve MetS than Vo2peak when the direct assessment of the five MetS factors is not feasible.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher