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The effect of low volume sprint interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness: study protocol for a definitive randomized controlled trial

Todd A. Astorino, Richard Metcalfe Orcid Logo, Niels B. J. Vollaard

Trials

Swansea University Author: Richard Metcalfe Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1186/s13063-026-09647-x

Abstract

Background: Prior studies show significant increases in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max) and other health-related outcomes in response to reduced exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT), yet these studies are characterized by small sample sizes which casts doubt on the true efficacy of...

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Published in: Trials
ISSN: 1745-6215
Published: Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2026
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71677
Abstract: Background: Prior studies show significant increases in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max) and other health-related outcomes in response to reduced exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT), yet these studies are characterized by small sample sizes which casts doubt on the true efficacy of this form of physical activity for enhancing fitness and health. We propose a definitive randomized controlled exercise training study in a large sample of inactive adults to examine the effects of REHIT on outcomes related to cardiometabolic health in comparison to a non-exercise control group. Methods: After baseline testing, 120 inactive men and women ages 18–64 years will be randomized to a non-exercising control group or undergo 12 weeks of REHIT. Participants will be healthy, weight stable, and have BMI < 35 kg/m2 and be required to maintain their habitual physical activity and dietary patterns during the study. Training will be supervised and performed 2 days per week. Changes in V̇O2max, body composition, and substrate metabolism will be monitored to assess adaptations in cardiometabolic health in response to REHIT. To assess the feasibility of REHIT, various perceptual measures including RPE, affective valence, and enjoyment will be recorded, and quality of life will be measured. Discussion: Data from the current study will advance physical activity research by bolstering the implementation of REHIT, which will contribute to reduced risk factors of cardiovascular disease and, in turn, improved public health.
Keywords: Sprint interval training; Maximal oxygen uptake; Cardiometabolic health; Substrate metabolism; Cardiac output; Feasibility
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Funders: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R15AG093525.

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