School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stephanie L Duncombe; Alan R Barker; Bert Bond; Renae Earle; Jo Varley-Campbell; Dimitris Vlachopoulos; Jacqueline L Walker; Kathryn L Weston; Michalis Stylianou

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0266427

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School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stephanie L Duncombe, Alan R Barker, Bert Bond, Renae Earle, Jo Varley-Campbell, Dimitris Vlachopoulos, Jacqueline L Walker, Kathryn L Weston and Michalis Stylianou

PLoS One, Vol.17(5), pp.1-27

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266427

PMID: 35507539

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Abstract

Purpose 1) To investigate the effectiveness of school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions in promoting health outcomes of children and adolescents compared with either a control group or other exercise modality; and 2) to explore the intervention characteristics and process outcomes of published school-based HIIT interventions. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science from inception until 31 March 2021. Studies were eligible if 1) participants aged 5–17 years old; 2) a HIIT intervention within a school setting ≥ 2 weeks duration; 3) a control or comparative exercise group; 4) health-related, cognitive, physical activity, nutrition, or program evaluation outcomes; and 5) original research published in English. We conducted meta-analyses between HIIT and control groups for all outcomes with ≥ 4 studies and meta-regressions for all outcomes with ≥ 10 studies. We narratively synthesised results between HIIT and comparative exercise groups. Results Fifty-four papers met eligibility criteria, encompassing 42 unique studies (35 randomised controlled trials; 36 with a high risk of bias). Meta-analyses indicated significant improvements in waist circumference (mean difference (MD) = -2.5cm), body fat percentage (MD = -1.7%), body mass index (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -1.0), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = +1.0), resting heart rate (MD = -5bpm), homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (MD = -0.7), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD = -0.9) for HIIT compared to the control group. Our narrative synthesis indicated mixed findings between HIIT and other comparative exercise groups. Conclusion School-based HIIT is effective for improving several health outcomes. Future research should address the paucity of information on physical activity and nutrition outcomes and focus on the integration and long-term effectiveness of HIIT interventions within school settings. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42018117567.

Details

Title: School-based high-intensity interval training programs in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stephanie L Duncombe (Corresponding Author) - The University of Queensland
Alan R Barker - University of Exeter
Bert Bond - University of Exeter
Renae Earle - The University of Queensland
Jo Varley-Campbell - University College London
Dimitris Vlachopoulos - University of Exeter
Jacqueline L Walker - The University of Queensland
Kathryn L Weston - Edinburgh Napier University
Michalis Stylianou - The University of Queensland
Publication details: PLoS One, Vol.17(5), pp.1-27
Publisher: Public Library of Science
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266427
ISSN: 1932-6203
PMID: 35507539
Copyright note: © 2022 Duncombe et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability: All relevant data are within a Supporting Information file (S4).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991245898402621
Output Type: Journal article

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