Date of Award
Spring 5-6-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on predicted VO2 max and body fat percentage in adults over an 8-week period. Despite the World Health Organization’s physical activity recommendations, nearly 1.4 billion people fail to meet these goals, primarily due to time constraints, contributing to a 30% global increase in obesity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a definitive predictor of all-cause mortality; however, research remains divided on whether low-volume HIIT or traditional MICT is superior for metabolic and cardiovascular adaptation in non-clinical populations. This study compared the effects of an 8-week HIIT versus MICT program on predicted VO2 max and body fat percentage in adults. Both groups improved significantly within groups, but no statistically significant between-group differences were found. These results suggest that while both modalities are effective for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition, HIIT may serve as a more time-efficient alternative to MICT for healthy adults.