scholarly journals Slow and Steady, or Hard and Fast? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Comparing Body Composition Changes between Interval Training and Moderate Intensity Continuous Training

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
James Steele ◽  
Daniel Plotkin ◽  
Derrick Van Every ◽  
Avery Rosa ◽  
Hugo Zambrano ◽  
...  

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of the current literature as to the effects of interval training (IT) vs moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on measures of body composition, both on a whole-body and regional level. Methods: We searched English-language papers on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and sportrxiv for the following inclusion criteria: (a) randomized controlled trials that directly compared IT vs MICT body composition using a validated measure in healthy children and adults; (b) training was carried out a minimum of once per week for at least four weeks; (c) published in a peer-reviewed English language journal or on a pre-print server. Results: The main model for fat mass effects revealed a trivial standardized point estimate with high precision for the interval estimate, with moderate heterogeneity (−0.016 (95%CI −0.07 to 0.04); I2 = 36%). The main model for fat-free mass (FFM) effects revealed a trivial standardized point estimate with high precision for the interval estimate, with negligible heterogeneity (−0.0004 (95%CI −0.05 to 0.05); I2 = 16%). The GRADE summary of findings suggested high certainty for both main model effects. Conclusions: Our findings provide compelling evidence that the pattern of intensity of effort and volume during endurance exercise (i.e., IT vs MICT) has minimal influence on longitudinal changes in fat mass and FFM, which are likely to minimal anyway. Trial registration number: This study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Steele ◽  
Daniel Plotkin ◽  
Derrick Van Every ◽  
Avery Rosa ◽  
Hugo Zambrano ◽  
...  

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of the current literature as to the effects of interval training (IT) vs moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on measures of body composition, both on a whole-body and regional level. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: English-language searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: a) randomized controlled trials that directly compared IT vs MICT body composition using a validated measure in healthy children and adults; b) training was carried out a minimum of once per week for at least four weeks; c) published in a peer-reviewed English language journal or on a pre-print server. Results: The main model for fat mass effects revealed a trivial standardized point estimate with high precision for the interval estimate, with negligible heterogeneity. The main model for lean mass effects revealed a trivial standardized point estimate with high precision for the interval estimate, with negligible heterogeneity. The GRADE summary of findings suggested high certainty for both main model effects. In comparison to non-intervention control groups, the IT conditions resulted in small reductions in fat mass and trivial increases in lean mass. The MICT conditions also produced small reductions in fat mass, and trivial increases in lean mass. Analysis of regional fat loss revealed trivial between group comparative treatment effects for upper body, lower body and trunk regions with minimal differences between regions. Conclusion: Our findings provide compelling evidence that the intensity of effort during endurance exercise has minimal influence on longitudinal changes in fat mass and lean mass.


Author(s):  
Bruno Nicanor Mello da Silva ◽  
Leony Morgana Galliano ◽  
Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio

Abstract The production of systematic reviews and meta-analysis increased substantially. In this sense, we highlight those comparing Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). It is known that meta-analyses of well-conducted studies are considered as a superior level of scientific evidence; therefore, it is relevant to critically analyze all those articles, especially speaking about the absence of differences between MICT and HIIT reported in previous studies. Widely, analyzing studies included in a meta-analysis frequently is possible to identify a lack of crucial information to the understanding of the exercise intervention, and this can skew readers interpretation and may conduct an equivocate comprehension of the results. In meta-analysis regarding the effects of MICT and HIIT in body composition, the relativization of the full length of training time of each intervention is frequently lacking. Data from previously published meta-analysis was reanalyzed, verifying higher relative reductions of body fat percentage to the HIIT group in comparison to the MICT group when considered the duration of interventions. In this sense, we suggest that all meta-analysis about this subject need not only to provide complete analysis in body composition but also consider analysis relativized of time spent training.


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