Six HIT Sessions Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Flexibility in Insulin Resistant and Insulin Sensitive Adolescents with Obesity

To evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on the cardiorespiratory performance and substrate oxidation pattern in insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive obese adolescents. Methods: We recruited 25 obese adolescents in three schools, and trained them in six HIT sessions, comprising of six series at 100% and recovery at 50% peak velocity (Vpeak). For the evaluation, the participants were divided into two groups: insulin-resistant (IR, n = 12; HOMA index ≥3.16) and insulin-sensitive (IS, n = 13). All participants underwent cardiopulmonary and indirect calorimetry testing. We compared the effects of HIT before and after the intervention among the two groups. The data were analyzed using Student’s t and Mann–Whitney (intergroup comparisons) and Student’s t and Wilcoxon (pre- and post-training comparisons) tests; and Cohen’s d (influence of HIT). Results: There was a significant post-training increase in Vpeak, oxygen consumption (VO2), velocity (V), and heart rate (HR) at the exertion intensity at the first ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT1) in both groups ( p < 0.05; d < 0.02). The exercise promoted changes in substrate oxidation rates of the groups, with an increase in carbohydrate oxidation (CHOox) for both IR ( p = 0.064) and IS ( p = 0.034). Conclusion: Six HIT sessions improved cardiorespiratory performance in both groups and increased CHOox in insulin-sensitive obese adolescents, suggesting its utility for increasing physical fitness and controlling glycemia in these population groups.