The Impact of Virtual HIFT and HIIT Exercises on Physical Fitness and Health Indicators in Overweight Women

Exercise Overweight Women in Corona Pandemic

Abstract

^{Physical activity can significantly influence physical fitness and health indicators. This study aims to investigate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the physical fitness and health indicators of overweight women.}

^{Thirty-nine overweight housewives from Kerman City (BMI=25-29 kg/m2) participated through virtual networks. The participants were matched based on their BMI to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT=13), High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT=13), and control groups (Control=13). The evaluated variables included aerobic power (Queen's scale), anaerobic power (Wingate), body mass index (BMI), body fat (skinfold calipers), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, total cholesterol (TCT), and the LDL to HDL ratio. The HIIT and HIFT exercises were conducted in three sessions per week for eight weeks. Data was analyzed by covariance and post hoc Bonferroni test (P<0.05).}

^{There was a significant increase in anaerobic power (P<0.05). Both groups showed an increase in BMI and a decrease in triglyceride, LDL, and cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Additionally, HDL levels significantly increased in both exercise groups. In comparison with the HIIT group, the HIFT group exhibited a reduction in LDL levels and LDL to HDL ratio and a decrease in body fat percentage (P<0.05).}

^{Both HIIT and HIFT exercises can be beneficial for improving the health and fitness of overweight women. However, when considering health and fitness indicators, HIIT exercises appear to be more effective, particularly in terms of changes in fat profile and anthropometric measurements.}