Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT03159949

Sprint Snacks: The Effects of Prolonged Rest on Reduced Exertion Interval Training.

An adapted sprint interval training protocol involving 2-3 repeated 20-second sprints separated by 2-3 minutes rest (termed reduced exertion high- intensity interval training (REHIIT)) has been developed and has been shown to promote fitness benefits. This data shows how little exercise one may need to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, provided they are willing to work very hard. However, it is unknown whether the benefits of REHIIT are because of the "all-out" nature of the sprint efforts themselves or the pattern of completing sprints with relatively short (i.e., minutes) rest periods within a workout session.

We are inquiring whether performing the same number and style of sprints with prolonged rest (i.e., 1-4 hours of rest in between sprints) is equally effective for improving aerobic fitness when compared to more traditional sprint interval training with 2-3 minutes of rest between sprints. Such information may make the effectiveness of sprint training more accessible and approachable for individuals unwilling or unable to plan a purposeful REHIIT exercise session into their day. If the rest interval could be prolonged then it may be possible to perform a few sprints as "exercise snacks" throughout the day without the need for a structured interval training session.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of British Columbia

Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Physically inactive (2 or less bouts of purposeful exercise per week)

Exclusion criteria

  • If your doctor has informed you that you have a heart condition and should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor.
  • If you feel pain in your chest when you perform any physical activity.
  • If in the past the month you have had chest pain when you were not doing any physical activity.
  • If you lose your balance or consciousness because of dizziness.
  • If you have bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee, or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity.
  • If you are currently pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant in the next 6 weeks.
  • You have previously had a heart attack or stroke
  • You are currently engaging in high-intensity interval training.
  • You are currently physically active (engaging in 3 or more bouts of purposeful exercise per week; a "bout" is defined as structured, planned exercise lasting at least 30 minutes)
  • You have severe chest pain or blood pressure over 240/140 during baseline testing.
  • You have exercise induced asthma or a history of syncope.

Treatment and study plan

REHIIT

Other

REHIIT participants will come into the lab one time per training days (3 training days per week), each session lasting 10 minutes. Training sessions involve a two-minute warm-up, 3 X 20-second cycling sprints on an exercise bike with three minutes rest in between, and a one-minute cool-down.

PR-REHIIT

Other

PR-REHIIT participants will come into the lab on 3 separate occasions on the training days, which occur 3 days per week (i.e., 9 sessions per week). Each session lasts 3 minutes and 20 seconds and consists of a two-minute warm-up, a 20-second "all-out" sprint on a cycle ergometer, and a one-minute cool-down. There will be 1-4 hours of rest in between training sessions where participants are free to leave the lab and go about their normal day.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in VO2max

    Time frame: Before and after the 6 week intervention

    Maximal oxygen uptake assessed using a ramp increase protocol on a cycle ergometer.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in 10 km Time Trial Performance

    Time frame: Before and after the 6 week intervention

    Time to complete a simulated 10 km Time Trial on a Cycle ergometer

Other outcomes

  1. Exercise Enjoyment Scale

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    This outcome will measure the enjoyment from either PR-REHIIT or REHIIT exercise intervention

  2. Intention Questionnaire

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    This outcome will measure the likelihood of an individual incorporating either PR-REHIIT or REHIIT into their exercise routine.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of British Columbia

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Exercise Sprint Snacks: The Effects of Prolonged Rest, Reduced Exertion High-intensity Interval Training (PR-REHIIT) Compared to Standard Reduced Exertion High-intensity Interval Training (REHIIT).

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
May 19, 2017
Registry last updated
Nov 7, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.