Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Fitness and Health in Youth With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on physical fitness and cardiometabolic health in youth with physical disabilities. Methods: For this quasi-experimental study 70 participants were recruited from schools for special education and divided into runners and users of wheelchairs. HIT was performed for 8 weeks, twice a week, containing 30 seconds all-out exercises. Results: Exercise adherence was 84.5%. Following HIT, there were improvements in anaerobic performance, agility, aerobic performance, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There were no changes in peak oxygen uptake (O2peak), arterial stiffness, body composition, lipid profile, and fasting glucose. Conclusions: Both anaerobic and aerobic performance improved after HIT, with no changes in O2peak. There were no effects on cardiometabolic health, except for a decrease in blood pressure.