The Effect of Sprint Interval Training on Key Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Weibao Liang^1,2Jianmin Dai³Chuannan Liu⁴Xujie Yan⁵Shuting Xu^6*Wenbai Huang^1,2*

• ¹School of Physical Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
• ²Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Speed Capability Research, Su Bingtian Center for Speed Research and Training, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
• ³College of Sports Science, Kyungnam University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
• ⁴School of Physical Education and Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
• ⁵School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, China
• ⁶The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China

Background: While Sprint Interval Training (SIT) is a time-efficient modality known to improve adult cardiometabolic health, a comprehensive synthesis of its effects in pediatric populations is lacking. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of SIT on key cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for trials comparing SIT against non-exercising control (CON) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). A random-effects model was used to compute the standardized mean difference (SMD). Study quality and evidence certainty were assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and GRADE frameworks, respectively. Results: Fourteen studies with 467 participants were included. Compared to CON, SIT elicited a large, significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max) (number of studies, k=12; SMD=1.43, p=0.004), based on moderate certainty evidence. Significant improvements in body composition were also observed, including a large reduction in body fat percentage (k=7; SMD=-0.83, p=0.012), a moderate reduction in waist circumference (k=9; SMD=-0.69, p=0.006), and a small This is a provisional file, not the final typeset article reduction in body weight (k=12; SMD=-0.15, p=0.020). In contrast, SIT had no significant effects on blood lipids, glycemic control parameters, or blood pressure (low to very low certainty evidence). Direct comparisons between SIT and MICT revealed no significant differences for any outcome. Conclusion: SIT is an effective strategy for enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and improving body composition in children and adolescents. With an efficacy comparable to traditional MICT, it represents a viable, time-efficient exercise alternative for pediatric populations.