Conclusion Neither HIIT nor MICT is superior for altering TC , TRG , or LDL-C , or TC-HDL-C ratio .
To raise HDL-C , HIIT may result in a larger effect size compared with MICT .
Objective To compare the effects of moderate intensity continuous training ( MICT ) and high intensity interval training ( HIIT ) on  adult lipid profiles ;  to identify training or participant characteristics that may determine exercise-induced change in total cholesterol ( TC ) , triglycerides ( TRG ) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) .
High Intensity Interval Training in a Real World Setting: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study in Overweight Inactive Adults, Measuring Change in Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Background In research clinic setting s , overweight adults undertaking HIIT ( high intensity interval training )  improve their fitness as effectively as those undertaking conventional walking programs but can do so within a shorter time spent exercising . We undertook a r and omized controlled feasibility ( pilot ) study aim ed at extending HIIT into a real world setting by recruiting overweight/obese , inactive adults into a group based activity program , held in a community park . Methods Participants were allocated into one of three groups . The two interventions , aerobic interval training and maximal volitional interval training , were compared with an active  control group undertaking walking based exercise . Supervised group sessions ( 36 per intervention ) were held outdoors . Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using VO2max ( maximal oxygen uptake , results expressed in ml/min/kg ) , before and after the 12 week interventions . Results On ITT ( intention to treat ) analyses , baseline ( N = 49 ) and exit ( N = 39 ) O2 was 25.3±4.5 and 25.3±3.9 , respectively . Participant allocation and baseline/exit VO2max by group was as follows : Aerobic interval training N = 16 , 24.2±4.8/25.6±4.8 ; maximal volitional interval training N = 16 , 25.0±2.8/25.2±3.4 ; walking N = 17 , 26.5±5.3/25.2±3.6 . The post intervention change in VO2max was + 1.01 in the aerobic interval training , −0.06 in the maximal volitional interval training and −1.03 in the walking subgroups . The aerobic interval training subgroup increased VO2max compared to walking ( p = 0.03 ) . The actual ( observed , rather than prescribed ) time spent exercising ( minutes per week , ITT analysis ) was 74 for aerobic interval training , 45 for maximal volitional interval training and 116 for walking ( p = 0.001 ) . On descriptive analysis , the walking subgroup had the fewest adverse events . Conclusions In contrast to earlier studies , the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in a cohort of overweight/obese participants  undertaking aerobic interval training in a real world setting was modest . The most likely reason for this finding relates to reduced adherence to the exercise program , when moving beyond the research clinic setting . Trial Registration ACTR.org.au
Conclusion Neither HIIT nor MICT is superior for altering TC , TRG , or LDL-C , or TC-HDL-C ratio .
To raise HDL-C , HIIT may result in a larger effect size compared with MICT .
Objective To compare the effects of moderate intensity continuous training ( MICT ) and high intensity interval training ( HIIT ) on  adult lipid profiles ;  to identify training or participant characteristics that may determine exercise-induced change in total cholesterol ( TC ) , triglycerides ( TRG ) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) .