Objectives: To compare the effect of low-volume HIIT to moderate-intensity aerobic training (MICT) on fat mass, cardiometabolic profile and physical capacity and confirm its feasibility in older women.
Methods: Inactive older women (60-75 years) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of either HIIT (75 min/week; n=9) or MICT (150 min/week; n=9). Body composition, fasting metabolic profile, cardiovascular risk (Framingham score), and physical capacity (senior fitness test, VO2peak) were assessed before and after the intervention. Feasibility was evaluated with completion rate (training compliance; dropout rate) and affective response (Feeling scale; pre- and post-exercise).
Results: Total cholesterol, non-HDL-C levels and the Framingham risk score decreased in both groups (all p≤0.03). Although VO2peak remained unchanged, the 6MWT distance increased (p<0.0001), irrespective of the group. Completion rate and affective responses were not different between groups (all p≥0.38).
Conclusion: A short-term HIIT program is feasible and provides as much benefits as MICT in older women.
Keywords: Obesity; cardiovascular risk; elderly; functional capacity; lipid profile.