Acute physiological and perceptual responses to whole-body high-intensity interval training compared with equipment-based interval and continuous training

Low-volume,time-efficient high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involveswhole-body (WB) callisthenics exercises, has gained worldwide popularity inrecent years. However, the physiological and perceptual impact of WB-HIIT incomparison to specialised, equipment-based training is relatively less studied.This study compared the acute physiological and perceptual responses to asingle session of WB-HIIT, ergometer-based HIIT (ERG-HIIT) and conventionalmoderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Fourteen physically inactiveadults (age: 28.4 ± 6.5 years, VO₂_peak: 31.0 ± 6.2 mL∙ kgˉ¹∙minˉ¹) underwent three main trials (WB-HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensitycallisthenics workout; ERG: HIIT: 12 x 30-s high-intensity cycling bouts; MICT:30-min cycling at 50% peak power output) in a randomized cross-over order 3-7days apart. The mean session heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion werecomparable across all three protocols (p > 0.05). WB-HIIT attained a similarpeak HR (87.4 ± 9.4 %HR_max) as that of ERG-HIIT (83.0 ± 8.6 %HR_max),and significantly greater than that of MICT (78.7 ± 5.5 %HR_max, p =0.001). However, WB-HIIT induced significantly higher blood lactate levels (7.2± 1.8 mmol/L) compared to both ERG-HIIT (5.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.05) andMICT (3.1 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The participants reported higherself-efficacy and greater enjoyment with WB-HIIT compared to MICT (p <0.05). The mean HR and perceived exertion responses to WB-HIIT are comparableto those of equipment-based HIIT and MICT; however, WB-HIIT results in greatermetabolic strain than both other mo-dalities. Despite this, the overallperceptual responses to WB-HIIT are positive, suggesting that it could be aviable exercise alternative, especially for individuals with limited exercisetime and restricted access to facilities and equipment. Copyright ©2023 Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.