Whole-body high-intensity interval training to improve fitness and body composition in adults with overweight
Effects of a Whole-body High-intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Musculoskeletal Fitness, Body Composition and Blood Parameters in Overweight Subjects
NA · Université Libre de Bruxelles · NCT07582718
This 10-week supervised program tests whether whole-body high-intensity interval training can improve fitness, strength, and body composition in adults aged 18–55 with a BMI of 25–35.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université Libre de Bruxelles (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels) |
| Trial ID | NCT07582718 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This in-person study enrolls 40 adults with BMI 25–35 who are allocated to either a supervised whole-body HIIT program or a control group. The intervention consists of 2–3 supervised, small-group sessions per week for 10 weeks using 8–12 body-weight exercises performed at high intensity with short recovery intervals and progression guided by heart rate and perceived exertion. Participants complete comprehensive pre- and post-intervention testing including DXA body composition, fasting blood tests, muscular strength measures, a Chester step test, a maximal graded treadmill test with gas exchange to determine VO2peak, and functional evaluations. All training and assessments are conducted on site under exercise-professional supervision.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–55 with BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m² who can safely perform high-intensity exercise and, if BMI > 30, can obtain medical clearance from their general practitioner.
Not a fit: Individuals with BMI outside 25–35, pregnant people, or those with chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions or other contraindications to high-intensity exercise are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer a time-efficient, equipment-free way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition for adults with excess weight.
How similar studies have performed: Prior HIIT trials in people with overweight or obesity have often improved VO2peak, strength, and body composition, although whole-body, equipment-free WB-HIIT has been less extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 55 years. * Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m². * Able to provide written informed consent. * Able to safely participate in high-intensity interval training. * For participants with BMI \> 30 kg/m²: medical clearance from their general practitioner. Exclusion Criteria: * BMI \< 25 or \> 35 kg/m². * Presence of any chronic medical condition other than overweight/obesity. * Known cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or musculoskeletal disease that contraindicates high-intensity exercise. * Pregnancy. * Inability to perform exercise testing or complete the WB-HIIT program. * Any condition judged by investigators to interfere with participation or data interpretation.
Where this trial is running
Brussels
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) — Brussels, Belgium (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julie Carpentier, PhD
- Email: julie.carpentier@ulb.be
- Phone: +3225553859
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Overweight and/or Obesity, Overweight, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Composition, Muscular Strength, Whole-Body HIIT, Body-Weight Exercise, Metabolic health