Chronic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training are both effective in increasing maximum fat oxidation during exercise in overweight and obese adults: A meta-analysis

Mingyue Yin; Zhili Chen; George P Nassis; Hengxian Liu; Hansen Li; Jianfeng Deng; Yongming Li

doi:10.1016/j.jesf.2023.08.001

Chronic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training are both effective in increasing maximum fat oxidation during exercise in overweight and obese adults: A meta-analysis

J Exerc Sci Fit. 2023 Oct;21(4):354-365. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Authors

Mingyue Yin¹, Zhili Chen¹, George P Nassis^{2

3}, Hengxian Liu¹, Hansen Li⁴, Jianfeng Deng¹, Yongming Li^{1

5}

Affiliations

¹ School of Athletic Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
² Department of Physical Education, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
³ Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
⁴ Department of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
⁵ China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China.

Abstract

Objective: to (1) systematically review the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) in overweight and obese adults, and (2) explore MFO influencing factors and its dose-response relationships with HIIT and MICT.

Methods: Studies using a between-group design involving overweight and obese adults and assessing the effect of HIIT and MICT on MFO were included. A meta-analysis on MFO indices was conducted, and the observed heterogeneities were explored through subgroup, regression, and sensitivity analyses.

Results: Thirteen studies of moderate to high quality with a total of 519 overweight and obese subjects were included in this meta-analysis (HIIT, n = 136; MICT, n = 235; Control, n = 148). HIIT displayed a statistically significant favorable effect on MFO compared to no-training (MD = 0.07; 95%CI [0.03 to 0.11]; I² = 0%). Likewise, MICT displayed a statistically significant favorable effect on MFO compared to no-training (MD = 0.10; 95%CI [0.06 to 0.15]; I² = 95%). Subgroup and regression analyses revealed that exercise intensity (Fat_max vs. non-Fat_max; %VO₂peak), exercise mode, BMI, and VO₂peak all significantly moderated MICT on MFO. When analyzing studies that have directly compared HIIT and MCIT in obese people, it seems there is no difference in the MFO change (MD = 0.01; 95%CI [-0.02 to 0.04]; I² = 64%). No publication bias was found in any of the above meta-analyses (Egger's test p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: Both HIIT and MICT are effective in improving MFO in overweight and obese adults, and they have similar effects. MCIT with an intensity of 65-70% VO₂peak, performed 3 times per week for 60 min per session, will optimize MFO increases in overweight and obese adults. Given the lack of studies examining the effect of HIIT on MFO in overweight and obese adults and the great diversity in the training protocols in the existing studies, we were unable to make sound recommendations for training.

Keywords: High-intensity interval training (HIIT); Maximal fat oxidation (MFO); Meta-analysis; Metabolism; Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT); Obesity.

Publication types

Review