Fateme Tahsinin, Ali Heidarianpour, Elnaz Shokri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Being overweight is associated with increased cortisol secretion, along with heightened anxiety and depression. This study aimed to compare the effect of six weeks of concurrent moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with HIIT training alone on body composition, plasma cortisol levels, and anxiety and depression levels in overweight male students.
Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 27 overweight students were selected and randomly divided into three groups 9: MICT+HIIT concurrent training, HIIT training, and a control group. The MICT )15 minutes of exercise per day at 60-65% of maximum heart rate with an additional 5 minutes every two weeks). The HIIT (3 minutes of running at 70-75% of maximum heart rate, followed by 3 minutes of active rest at 50% of maximum heart rate, with three repetitions in the first two weeks, four repetitions in the second two weeks, and five repetitions in the final two weeks).
Results: Both types of training protocols resulted in reductions in weight, body mass index, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, cortisol levels, anxiety, depression, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two types of exercise in terms of effectiveness on these variables; however, only peak oxygen consumption and triglycerides were associated with better changes in the MICT+HIIT group.
Conclusions: For overweight male adolescents aiming for weight loss and improved mental health, HIIT alone is sufficient, and adding MICT does not provide additional clinical benefits.
