Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sedentary Lifestyle
Conditions
Keywords
Sprint interval training, VO2max, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Resting heart ratev, 6-minute walk test, Sedentary adults, Young adults, Randomized controlled trial
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 6-week supervised sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy sedentary young adults. Forty participants aged 20 to 25 years were randomly assigned to either a sprint interval training group or a control group. The sprint interval training group completed supervised cycle-ergometer sessions three times per week for 6 weeks, while the control group maintained their usual sedentary routine. The primary outcome was maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Secondary outcomes included resting heart rate and 6-minute walk test distance. The study aimed to determine whether a short-term, time-efficient sprint interval training program could improve cardiovascular capacity and functional exercise performance in sedentary young adults.
Detailed description
This study was designed as a randomized controlled pre-test and post-test intervention study. Healthy sedentary adults aged 20 to 25 years were enrolled after ethics approval and written informed consent. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a supervised sprint interval training group or a control group. The sprint interval training group performed supervised exercise sessions on a cycle ergometer three times per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 5-minute warm-up, followed by repeated 30-second all-out sprint bouts with active recovery periods. The number of sprint repetitions was progressively increased during the intervention period. The control group maintained their usual sedentary lifestyle and did not receive an additional exercise program. Outcome measurements were performed before and after the intervention. The primary outcome was VO2max, assessed using a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer with respiratory gas analysis. Secondary outcomes were resting heart rate and 6-minute walk test distance. Adherence and adverse events were monitored throughout the study period.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSprint Interval Training
The sprint interval training intervention consisted of supervised cycle-ergometer sessions performed three times per week for 6 weeks. Each session included a 5-minute warm-up at 50% VO2max, followed by 4 to 6 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprint bouts on a Monark 894E cycle ergometer, with 4-minute active recovery periods between sprints. The number of sprint repetitions was progressively increased from 4 repetitions in the first two weeks to 6 repetitions in the following four weeks.
Sponsors
Sezer Taştan
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Masking description
No masking was used because participants and research staff were aware of the exercise-training intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a supervised sprint interval training group or a control group.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 20-25 years * Healthy sedentary adult * Engaging in less than 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity * IPAQ score below 600 MET-min/week or not participating in a regular exercise program * Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* History of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease, such as hypertension or diabetes * Musculoskeletal injury or orthopedic condition preventing exercise participation * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Smoking * Regular medication use
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max) | Baseline and 6 weeks | VO2max was assessed using a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer with breath-by-breath respiratory gas analysis. VO2max values were recorded in ml/kg/min before and after the 6-week intervention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Resting Heart Rate | Baseline and 6 weeks | Resting heart rate was measured in the morning after 10 minutes of seated rest using a heart rate monitor. Values were recorded in beats per minute before and after the 6-week intervention. |
| Change in 6-Minute Walk Test Distance | Baseline and 6 weeks | Functional exercise capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walk test. The total distance covered in 6 minutes was recorded in meters before and after the 6-week intervention. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORSezer Taştan, phD
Ankara Demirspor
Outcome results
None listed