Enhancing Adolescent Physical Fitness and Well-Being: A School-Based High-Intensity Interval Training Program
2024

School-Based HIIT Program Improves Adolescent Fitness

Sample size: 60 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mitić Petar, Jovanović Rade, Stojanović Nikola, Barišić Valentin, Trajković Nebojša

Primary Institution: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Serbia

Hypothesis

Does a school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program improve quality of life and physical fitness in adolescents?

Conclusion

The study shows that a school-based HIIT program significantly enhances physical well-being and fitness among adolescents.

Supporting Evidence

  • The HIIT group showed significant improvements in physical well-being compared to the control group.
  • Participants completed various fitness tests, showing enhanced performance after the HIIT intervention.
  • The study utilized a validated questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-27) to assess quality of life.
  • HIIT sessions were designed to fit within the constraints of school schedules.
  • Enjoyment levels during HIIT were comparable to control activities, indicating engagement.
  • Statistical analysis revealed significant interaction effects between group and time for various fitness tests.
  • HIIT was integrated into regular physical education classes, demonstrating practical application.

Takeaway

This study found that a fun, short exercise program at school can help kids feel better and get stronger.

Methodology

The study involved 60 male adolescents who participated in a 12-week HIIT program integrated into physical education classes, with assessments of quality of life and physical fitness conducted before and after the intervention.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of female participants and the specific age range of the sample.

Limitations

The study sample consisted only of male adolescents, limiting generalizability, and the relatively small sample size may have constrained statistical power.

Participant Demographics

60 male adolescents, average age 16.2 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.01 for physical well-being improvements in HIIT group.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/jfmk9040279

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