Design and Development Considerations for a High-Intensity Interval Protocol for use within the School Setting

Abstract

Objective: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is known to be a time efficient method for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), however it is unknown what components would be most useful for an optimal HIIT protocol for use within the school setting. The purpose of this was to determine optimal design considerations from both outcome-oriented and pragmatic implementation perspectives.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to determine optimal protocol elements as objectively as possible. Searches were conducted across four databases targeted at HIIT studies that incorporated measures CRF as part of their outcomes in school-aged youth. A series of two focus groups were used to assess pragmatic considerations for HIIT implementation by directly engaging with teachers and students of a local primary school.
Results: The systematic review revealed that running based protocols of at least eight weeks in duration using speed-based measures of intensity and work-to-rest ratios of less than one appeared to be optimal to elicit a greater CRF response when compared to protocols with other design features. The focus groups suggested that HIIT could be feasibly implemented in the school setting. Both teachers and students were willing to engage with HIIT. Children preferred novel activities with a strong aversion to running, and would be interested in some sort of monitoring or competition.
Conclusion: HIIT is a viable strategy for use within the school setting. Further research may benefit from further optimizing HIIT protocols for CRF outcomes and liaising with stakeholders to develop an intervention that is sustainable and meets the desires of all parties involved.