Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41103298›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in physiology2025

Comparative effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition and blood pressure in overweight adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Xilin Li, Zhibo Cui, Zhijun Tan, Jiangxuan Li, Chengbo Yang

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in physiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Xilin LiSchool of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Zhibo CuiSchool of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Zhijun TanSchool of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Jiangxuan LiSchool of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Chengbo YangSchool of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background and aims: Adolescent overweight and obesity are increasing worldwide, posing a growing public health concern. Although both HIIT and MICT have been shown to reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular fitness, few studies have directly compared their effects in adolescents. This study therefore systematically evaluates their impact on body composition and blood pressure to inform appropriate exercise recommendations. Methods: An extensive database search was undertaken involving six sources-such as PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library-employing predetermined search terms to locate randomized controlled trials. The search covered literature published up to February 20, 2025, starting from each database's inception. The methodological rigor of the selected studies was evaluated through a revised evaluation approach based on PRISMA guidelines. Finally, the influence of the two exercise modalities on adiposity reduction and blood pressure in overweight/obese adolescents was analyzed and discussed. Results: An overall number of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 473 eligible participants, were incorporated into the analysis. The findings revealed that: (1) HIIT was superior in decreasing body fat percentage [MD = -0.74, 95% CI (-1.44, 0.04), Z = 2.74, P = 0,04]. There was no statistically relevant difference detected between the two groups in body weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, or blood pressure. (2) Subgroup analysis indicated that MICT was more effective in reducing waist circumference when running was used as the mode of exercise intervention [MD = 2.81, 95% CI (0.36, 5.26), Z = 2.25, P = 0.02]. Conclusion: Both HIIT and MICT demonstrated comparable effects on most outcomes in overweight/obese adolescents. HIIT showed a modest, borderline significant advantage in reducing body fat percentage, while MICT appeared more effective in reducing waist circumference in the running subgroup. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide exercise recommendations. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier CRD42025639229.

Indexed as

body compositionHIITmeta-analysisMICToverweight adolescents

Identifiers

PMID41103298
PMCPMC12521180

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.