Effect of six weeks of sprint interval training on mood and perceived health in women at risk for metabolic syndrome

J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2014 Dec;36(6):610-8. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2014-0083.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether 6 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT) is associated with changes in mood and perceived health in women at risk for developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). Physically inactive women (30-65 years) were randomized to 6 weeks of nutrition meetings and SIT (n = 23; 3 bouts/week of 4-8 30-s cycle sprints with 4-min recovery) or a nonexercise control condition (CON; n = 24). Before and after the 6-week intervention, perceived health status and mood were assessed. Clinically relevant increases in role-physical scores (ES = 0.64) and vitality (ES = 0.52) were found after 6 weeks of SIT compared with a nonexercise control group. For middle-aged women at risk for MetS, it is concluded that high-intensity, low-volume SIT (1) increases feelings of vitality and perceptions of having fewer physical limitations and (2) does not induce mood disturbances as occurs with high-volume, high-intensity training.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk
  • Running / psychology*
  • Sedentary Behavior