"COMPARATIVE EFFECTS of REDUCED EXERTION HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING (REHIT) VERSUS HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT) on ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES in OVERWEIGHT and OBESE ADULTS"

Obesity is a global health concern associated with an increased risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and reduced overall health. Exercise is a proven modality for managing obesity, with current focus of researches on identifying more time-efficient modes of exercise training. REHIT and HIIT have proven benefits but comparative effects of REHIT and HIIT in overweight and obese adults is yet to be determined.The significance of this study is to compare the effects of reduced exertion high intensity training (REHIT) versus high intensity interval training (HIIT) and will also investigate the effectiveness of REHIT as an alternative for overweight and obese individuals who perceive HIIT as too demanding. If found effective, it can also help in providing training protocol for optimizing cardiovascular health in this population, potentially leading to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens. The results of this study will also add data to literature regarding the effects of REHIT and HIIT on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese. Main objective of this study is to compare the effects of reduced exertion high intensity training (REHIT) versus HIIT on anthropometric measures (weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio), CUN-BAE adiposity index and Cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese individuals. The participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited followed by random allocation to one of the 2 groups, following which they will be required to complete a self-reported demographic form and will be screened using Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Baseline evaluation will be done using tape measure for anthropometric, assessment of waist circumference and hip circumference, CUN-BAE index for adiposity and Queen's College step test for cardio-respiratory fitness. Experimental group A will perform REHIT while experimental group B will perform HIIT. Participants will also be provided with dietary restriction plan that will be followed during the training protocol. Exercise training would be performed for consecutive 6 weeks, 3 times a week on alternative days for total of 18 sessions.