HIIT versus HIIT plus plyometrics to improve muscle and tendon health in children and teens with obesity
Official title: Effects of HIIT and Concurrent HITT/Plyometric Training on Muscle-tendon Structure, Function and Metabolism in Pediatric Population With Obesity at Different Biological Maturation States (HIIT-PRO Kids): A Study Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Universidad Nacional Andres Bello · NCT06727500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether high-intensity interval training alone or combined with plyometric exercises better improves muscle and tendon structure, function, and metabolism in children and adolescents with obesity at different stages of puberty.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad Nacional Andres Bello Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Santiago) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06727500 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and adolescents with obesity (BMI‑z ≥ 2 and ≤ 3.5) who fall into the defined pre-APHV (−1 to −3) or post-APHV (+1 to +3) groups and can attend supervised sessions in Santiago, Chile.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with cognitive disabilities, musculoskeletal conditions preventing regular activity, severe cardiac disease, or recent supervised exercise are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled intervention will assign pediatric participants with obesity to either a 12-week HIIT program or the same HIIT program plus plyometric training, with supervised sessions three times per week. Participants are stratified by biological maturation stage (pre-APHV and post-APHV) and complete baseline and post-intervention evaluations of muscle-tendon structure, mechanical function, performance (e.g., jump tests), body composition, and metabolic markers. The trial examines whether adding plyometrics or the participant's maturation state leads to different adaptations in tendon mechanical properties, muscle function, and metabolism. All testing and exercise sessions are conducted at the university exercise and rehabilitation institute in Santiago, Chile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could help tailor exercise programs that improve strength, tendon health, metabolism, and functional abilities in children with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show HIIT can reduce body fat and improve fitness in youth and plyometric training can enhance functional performance, but combining these approaches and examining effects across maturation stages has been less studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pediatric population with obesity determined by the body mass index by z-score (BMI-z) ≥ 2 standard deviations (SD) and ≤ 3.5 SD of the median for age and sex. * Pediatric population with -1 to -3 APHV (pre-APHV) and +1 to +3 APHV (post-APHV). Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive Disabilities. * Musculoskeletal condition that prevents regular physical activity. * Severe heart diseases that contraindicate the practice of physical activity. * Individuals who perform supervised exercise in the past six months.
Where it's running
-
Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.