Perceptual responses to high intensity interval training among overweight and obese individuals

Abstract

Poor diet and exercise adherence is resulting in the rise of chronic diseases. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has the ability to improve adherence as it takes less time to complete and has changes in intensity and monotony. The aim of the study was to analyze whether participants prefer HIIT in comparison to continuous aerobic exercise (CON). The hypothesis was that HIIT would be preferred and enjoyed more than CON both during and following the exercises. Participants were men and women (n=14) between the age of 30-55 years with a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2. Participants completed three exercise conditions: CON) a 45 minute walk at 60% of age predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR), HIIT60) a 20 minute HIIT exercise in which the speed and incline was changed between a high intensity of 80% APMHR and 60% APMHR every 60 seconds for a total of 10 cycles, and HIIT90) a 21 minute HIIT exercise in which the speed and incline was changed between a high intensity of 80% APMHR and 60% APMHR every 90 seconds for a total of 7 cycles. Heart rate (HR), exercise enjoyment during the exercise as measured by the exercise enjoyment scale (EES), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected at multiple time points during the exercise. Five minutes of post exercise oxygen consumption was measured immediately and 30 minutes following the exercise sessions. General feelings as measured by the feeling scale (FS) and physical activity (PA) enjoyment as measured by the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) was measured 5 minutes and 35 minutes following the exercise sessions. HR and RPE were both higher in HIIT60 and HIIT90 compared to CON. In task exercise enjoyment was not higher between conditions. PA enjoyment was higher in both HIIT60 and HIIT90 compared to CON 5 minutes following the exercises. General feelings in HIIT60 was the only condition to increase 35 minutes compared to 5 minutes following the exercise. We conclude that HIIT is a more preferred exercise than CON as shown by higher preferences for HIIT90 and HIIT60 as well as higher ratings of post exercise PA enjoyment.