The feasibility of high-intensity interval exercise in obese adolescents.

To mitigate the comorbidities of obesity, many children are enrolled in exercise programs targeted at weight loss and improvement of health. Continuous aerobic exercise is the current standard of care however several studies in adults show high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) to be more efficient at improving fitness and health. With HIIE, the individual uses heart rate targets to exercise vigorously for one minute followed by a two minute period of active recovery. In obese children, a comprehensive comparison of HIIE to aerobic exercise is lacking.