AUTHOR=Leahy Daniel J. , Dalleck Lance C. , Ramos Joyce S. 

TITLE=Changes in the Fitness Fatness Index following reduced exertion high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in physically inactive adults

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.961957

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2022.961957

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=Background Despite the adverse effects of physical inactivity, mMany adults do not reach the recommended exercise participation guidelines, often citing lack of time as a barrier. Reduced exertion high- intensity training (REHIT) is a mode of exercise that takes as few as 10 minutes, andminutes and has been shown to be as effective as other modalities. The Fitness Fatness Index (FFI) is a recently developed index that is used to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a REHIT versus a traditional moderate- intensity continuous training program (MICT) on FFI in physically inactive adults. 
Methods Thirty-two participants were randomized into one of two 8-week exercise intervention groups: i) REHIT (n=16); ii) MICT (n=16). The REHIT group performed 10 minutes of individualised cycling intervals on 2-4 days of the week. The MICT group were prescribed aerobic exercise at 50-65% of their heart rate reserve (HRR) on 3-5 days of the week. FFI was recorded at baseline and post 8-weeks, with FFI being calculated as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (expressed as metabolic equivalents) divided by waist to height ratio (WtHR). A 1-unit increase in FFI was recognised as a clinically significant change in FFI. 
Results The REHIT group showed significantly greater (+1.95, ±0.63) improvements in FFI compared to those in the MICT (+0.99, ±0.47) group (between group difference, p<0.001). Furthermore, there was a greater proportion of participants who achieved a clinically significant change in FFI in the REHIT group (12/12, 100%) than in the MICT group (8/15, 53%) (between group difference, p=0.01). 
Conclusion This study suggests that REHIT may be a more efficacious exercise modality to increase FFI than MICT. This outcome is beneficial as the clinician can prescribe REHIT to physically inactive adults who cite lack of time as a barrier to physical activity participation and achieve significant reductions in CVD risk.