{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Extraordinary claims in the literature on high-intensity interval training (HIIT): IV. Is HIIT associated with higher long-term exercise adherence?
{Author}: Ekkekakis P;Biddle SJH;
{Journal}: Psychol Sport Exerc
{Volume}: 64
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023 01
{Factor}: 5.118
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102295
{Abstract}: Nonadherence to and dropout from regular exercise and physical activity are important reasons why the field of exercise science has yet to fulfill its promise of improving public health on a global scale. Researchers have claimed that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a feasible and sustainable exercise modality that may result in higher long-term adherence than moderate-intensity continuous exercise. If true, this would be a breakthrough discovery that could unlock the potential of exercise as a health-promoting intervention. We performed a systematic search of the literature and identified eight trials comparing HIIT to moderate-intensity continuous exercise, all of which involved follow-up periods of at least 12 months (i.e., SWIFT, Small Steps for Big Changes, SAINTEX-CAD, SMARTEX-HF, Generation 100, FITR, OptimEx-Clin, HITTS). Findings from these trials demonstrate that, while unsupervised, individuals initially assigned to HIIT tend to exercise at lower-than-prescribed intensities and HIIT groups demonstrate no advantage in long-term adherence.