Pre-clinical risk factors, physical activity and fitness in paediatric populations: the effects of a high intensity exercise intervention on markers of CVD and health

Recently, a growing body of evidence has found that the adaptations typically associated with traditional endurance exercise interventions may also appear through low volume, high-intensity interval training (HIT). This study examined the effects of a field based intense exercise intervention within the school In the HIT group, significant improvements in muscular power 10-m sprint, cardiorespiratory fitness and agility were noted. Waist-hip ratio (WHR) increased in the control group but not in the HIT group. The HIT group experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) though diastolic blood pressure (DBP) did not change. These findings demonstrate that brief, intense exercise is a time efficient means for improving cardiometabolic risk factors in youth.