Effects of Exercise Intensity in Obese Children and Adolescents

The prevalence of paediatric obesity has increased over the last two decades and with it, an increased diagnosis of lifestyle-related diseases in children and adolescents. High intensity interval training has recently been explored as an alternate to traditional aerobic exercise in adults with chronic disease and has potential to induce rapid reversal of subclinical disease markers in obese children and adolescents. High intensity interval training has recently been explored as an alternate to traditional aerobic exercise in adults with chronic disease and has potential to induce rapid reversal of subclinical disease markers in obese children and adolescents. Goal: The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a high intensity interval training intervention on myocardial function, vascular function and visceral adipose tissue in obese children and adolescents at baseline, three and twelve months. Method: Multi-centre randomised controlled trial of 100 obese children and adolescents in the cities of Trondheim (Norway) and Brisbane (Australia). Participants will be randomised to (1) high intensity interval training, (2) moderate intensity continuous training or (3) nutrition advise. Participants will partake in supervised exercise training and/or nutrition consultations for 3 months. Measurements for all study endpoints will occur at baseline, 3 months (post intervention) and 12 months (follow up). Scientific Significance : This randomised controlled trial will general substantial information regarding the effects of exercise intensity on paediatric obesity, specifically the cardio-metabolic health of this at-risk population. It is expected that communication of results will allow for more robust and realistic guidelines regarding exercise prescription in this population to be formed while outlining the benefits of high intensity interval training on subclinical markers of disease.