Article
Details
Citation
Metcalfe RS, Atef H, Mackintosh K, McNarry M, Ryde G, Hill DM & Vollaard NBJ (2020) Time-efficient and computer-guided sprint interval exercise training for improving health in the workplace: a randomised mixed-methods feasibility study in office-based employees. BMC Public Health, 20, Art. No.: 313. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8444-z
Abstract
Background
The efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a time-efficient exercise strategy for beneficially modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease has repeatedly been demonstrated in controlled laboratory settings. However, the effectiveness of HIT in an unsupervised workplace setting has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to use mixed methods to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a short-duration, high-intensity exercise intervention (REHIT) when applied unsupervised in a workplace setting.
Methods
Twenty-five office-workers (mean?±?SD age: 47?±?9 y, BMI: 27.5?±?4.4?kg·m??2, V?O2max: 28?±?7?mL·kg??1·min??1) completed a 6-week REHIT intervention unsupervised in their workplace (n?=?13, 6 men), or acted as a no-intervention control (n?=?12, 6 men). The intervention consisted of 2 sessions/week of low-intensity (~?25?W) cycling interspersed with 2 ‘all-out’ sprints, increasing in duration from 10 to 20?s per sprint over the 6?weeks (total time-commitment: 8:40?min per session). V?O2max was assessed pre- and post-training, whilst questionnaire-based measures of exercise enjoyment, self-efficacy, and acceptability were completed post-training. Eight participants also completed post-intervention semi-structured interviews.
Results
V?O2max significantly improved in the exercise group (2.25?±?0.75?L·min??1 vs. 2.42?±?0.82?L·min??1; +?7.4%) compared to the control group (2.22?±?0.72?L·min??1 vs. 2.17?±?0.74?L·min??1; ??2.3%; time*intervention interaction effect: p??
Keywords
Exercise; High-intensity interval training; Workplace health; Effectiveness; Feasibility; Acceptability; Cardiorespiratory fitness
Journal
BMC Public Health: Volume 20
Status | Published |
---|---|
Publication date | 31/12/2020 |
Publication date online | 12/03/2020 |
Date accepted by journal | 06/03/2020 |
URL | |
Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC |
eISSN | 1471-2458 |
People (1)
Lecturer in Health and Exercise Science, Sport