Effects of high-intensity interval training on endothelial function, lipid profile, body composition and physical fitness in normal-weight and overweight-obese adolescents: a clinical trial

Abstract Endothelium-aggressive factors are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Exercise training can either prevent or attenuate this process, but little is known about the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in adolescents. Thus, we assessed the effects of HIIT on endothelial function, lipid profile, body composition and physical fitness in normal-weight and overweight-obese adolescents. Thirty-eight participants aged 14–17 years who were physically inactive (IPAq) were divided in two groups: normal weight (NW, n=13) and overweight-obese (OW, n=25). Body composition (skinfold thickness), lipid profile, physical fitness and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) were assessed before and after undergoing the study protocol consisting of 12-week HIIT (∼15 minutes) + sport activities (30 minutes, 3x/week) + no diet. The differences were tested by GEE, Bonferroni post-hoc, p