Can Interval Training Help Mitigate Obesity?

Evan Stevens

This session really just was in addition to all of the information we’ve already seen at the conference so far. Interval training is very important to health and can increase the palatability of exercise. The first study conducted a perceived exertion and ranked enjoyment test on continuous versus interval exercise when matched for VO₂ Max. The researchers found that at 85% VO₂ Max, 6 x 3 minutes with 30 seconds rest as intervals (or what they called micropauses between runs) was far more palatable than 18 minutes of continuous exercise, making it more likely to be followed as an exercise regime outside of the study.

A similar study about the palatability of interval training in obese individuals was done by the next presenters. We know that exercise is a struggle for most people, and making it palatable to obese people can be even more of an uphill battle. HIIT, as the researchers explained, is an excellent way to promote not only palatable exercise, but also can be used to alleviate some of the problems caused by obesity.

Related Article: 90 Seconds A Day of HIIT Might Be All You Need

Periodized cycling improved peak power output with an unchanged VO2 Max, which meant that the obese individuals were improving their mitochondrial efficiency (they were better able to utilize glucose as a fuel source) as well as hinting at improved mitochondrial biogenesis. The researchers said, however, that the effects of interval training only last 24 hours, after which measures of health return to baseline. Thus, interval exercise needs to be done frequently if it is to be used as a way to mitigate some of the symptoms of obesity.