This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT) program compared with Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on immune function in recreationally active young adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either WB-HIIT or MICT groups. Immune-related biomarkers and performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. The study sought to determine whether different exercise modalities produce distinct adaptations in immune function.
This study was designed as a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 20 recreationally active male participants were randomly assigned to either the Whole Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT) group or the Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and involved supervised training sessions multiple times a week. The WB-HIIT protocol consisted of repeated high-intensity whole-body exercises performed at near-maximum effort with intermittent rest periods, while the MICT group performed moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise. Immune function was assessed through selected hematological and biochemical markers collected at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, physical performance variables were evaluated to examine secondary adaptations to different exercise modalities. The primary aim of the study was to compare the effects of WB-HIIT and MICT on immune system responses, while secondary outcomes included changes in exercise performance. This study provides insights into how different training intensities affect immune regulation in individuals who are active in their leisure time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Whole-body high-intensity interval training protocol performed under supervision.
Moderate-intensity continuous training protocol performed under supervision.
Bitlis Eren University
Bitlis, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
Peripheral immune cell counts
Changes in peripheral blood leukocyte, lymphocyte subsets, neutrophil, and monocyte counts from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks).
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Inflammatory cytokine levels
Changes in serum IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks).
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Immunoglobulin levels
Changes in serum immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, IgM) concentrations from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks).
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Cortisol levels
Changes in serum cortisol levels as a marker of exercise-induced stress response from baseline to post-intervention (8 weeks).
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)
Changes in VO₂max measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing from baseline to post-intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
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