High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training For Muscle Mass and Gait Speed in Older Adults With Sarcopenic Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training, matched for total workload, on appendicular skeletal muscle mass and gait speed in older adults with sarcopenic obesity.

Methods: Single-centre, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors. Adults aged 60 years or older with sarcopenic obesity were randomly allocated to high-intensity interval training (n = 20) or moderate-intensity continuous training (n = 20), performed under supervision three times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass, measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and usual gait speed over 4 metres. Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength and body fat percentage.

Results: Thirty-five participants completed the trial (17 high-intensity interval training, 18 moderate-intensity continuous training). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass increased more with high-intensity interval training than with moderate-intensity continuous training (0.70 kg versus 0.11 kg; p < 0.001). Gait speed improved in both groups, with a larger gain after high-intensity interval training (0.13 m/s versus 0.04 m/s; p < 0.001). Gains in handgrip strength (2.28 kg versus 1.07 kg; p = 0.005) and reductions in body fat percentage (2.52 versus 1.31 percentage points; p = 0.002) also favoured high-intensity interval training.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of supervised high-intensity interval training improved muscle mass, gait speed, muscle strength and body composition more than workload-matched moderate-intensity continuous training in older adults with sarcopenic obesity. Larger multicentre trials are needed to confirm these findings.