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High-Intensity Interval Training and Cardiometabolic Health in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

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Abstract

Background

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) remains a promising exercise mode in managing cardiometabolic health. Large-scale analyses are necessary to understand its magnitude of effect on important cardiometabolic risk factors and inform guideline recommendations.

Objective

We aimed to perform a novel large-scale meta-analysis on the effects of HIIT on cardiometabolic health in the general population.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane library and Web of Science were systematically searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1990 and March 2023 were eligible. Research trials reporting the effects of a HIIT intervention on at least one cardiometabolic health parameter with a non-intervention control group were considered.

Results

This meta-analysis included 97 RCTs with a pooled sample size of 3399 participants. HIIT produced significant improvements in 14 clinically relevant cardiometabolic health parameters, including peak aerobic capacity (VO2) [weighted mean difference (WMD): 3.895 ml min−1 kg−1, P < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD: 3.505%, P < 0.001), systolic (WMD: − 3.203 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic (WMD: − 2.409 mmHg, P < 0.001) blood pressure, resting heart rate (WMD: − 3.902 bpm, P < 0.001) and stroke volume (WMD: 9.516 mL, P < 0.001). Body composition also significantly improved through reductions in body mass index (WMD: − 0.565 kg m−2, P < 0.001), waist circumference (WMD: − 2.843 cm, P < 0.001) and percentage body fat (WMD: − 0.972%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there were significant reductions in fasting insulin (WMD: − 13.684 pmol L−1, P = 0.004), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (WMD: − 0.445 mg dL−1, P = 0.043), triglycerides (WMD: − 0.090 mmol L−1, P = 0.011) and low-density lipoprotein (WMD: − 0.063 mmol L−1, P = 0.050), concurrent to a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (WMD: 0.036 mmol L−1, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

These results provide further support for HIIT in the clinical management of important cardiometabolic health risk factors, which may have implications for physical activity guideline recommendations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Kent, CT1 1QU, UK

    Jamie J. Edwards, Megan Griffiths, Algis H. P. Deenmamode & Jamie M. O’Driscoll

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  1. Jamie J. Edwards
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  2. Megan Griffiths
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JE and JO’D contributed to the conception and design of the study. JE and JO’D contributed to the development of the search strategy. JE and JO’D conducted the systematic review. JE, MG, AD and JO’D completed the acquisition of data. JE, MG, AD and JO’D performed the data analysis. All authors assisted with the interpretation. JE and JO’D were the principal writers of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the drafting and revision of the final article. All authors approved the final submitted version of the manuscript.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review.

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Edwards, J.J., Griffiths, M., Deenmamode, A.H.P. et al. High-Intensity Interval Training and Cardiometabolic Health in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Sports Med 53, 1753–1763 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01863-8

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