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Overweight and/or ObesityWB-HIITNCT07582718

Effects of Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training on Fitness in Overweight Adults

A study testing Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT) in people with Overweight and/or Obesity, run by Université Libre de Bruxelles at 1 site in Belgium.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a supervised whole-body high-intensity interval training (WB-HIIT) program on physical fitness and health outcomes in adults with overweight and obesity. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 55 years
Conditions the study is for
Overweight and/or Obesity
What is being tested?
Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteBelgium
Study dates
9 Nov 2022to Jun 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 55 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 18 to 55 years.
  • Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m².
  • Able to provide written informed consent.
  • Able to safely participate in high-intensity interval training.
  • For participants with BMI > 30 kg/m²: medical clearance from their general practitioner.

Who cannot join

  • BMI < 25 or > 35 kg/m².
  • Presence of any chronic medical condition other than overweight/obesity.
  • Known cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or musculoskeletal disease that contraindicates high-intensity exercise.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Inability to perform exercise testing or complete the WB-HIIT program.
  • Any condition judged by investigators to interfere with participation or data interpretation.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Julie Carpentier, PhD contact

+3225553859

julie.carpentier@ulb.be

Malgorzata Klass, PhD contact

+325553859

malgorzata.klass@ulb.be

Belgium1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

    Brussels

    Recruiting

Other trials in Belgium

About this study

Official title: Effects of a Whole-body High-intensity Interval Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Musculoskeletal Fitness, Body Composition and Blood Parameters in Overweight Subjects

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a supervised whole-body high-intensity interval training (WB-HIIT) program on physical fitness and health outcomes in adults with overweight and obesity. WB-HIIT is a practical and time-efficient training modality based on body-weight exercises performed at high intensity with short recovery intervals. It may offer an accessible approach for improving health in individuals with excess body weight.

Participants aged 18 to 55 years with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m² will take part in a supervised 10-week WB-HIIT program, performed in small groups and led by trained exercise professionals. Before and after the intervention, participants will undergo assessments including DXA-based body composition analysis, fasting blood sampling, muscular strength testing, a Chester step test, a maximal graded treadmill exercise test with gas-exchange analysis to determine VO₂peak, and functional evaluations (chair-stand, arm-curl, and 6-minute walk test). Physical activity and dietary intake will also be recorded.

Read more

The primary objective of the study is to assess whether WB-HIIT improves cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂peak) in adults with overweight. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in muscular strength, body composition, metabolic markers, and functional capacity.

The results may help determine whether an equipment-free WB-HIIT program can serve as an effective and accessible training approach for improving health and physical fitness in adults with overweight and obesity.

Read the detailed description

This study investigates the physiological, functional, and metabolic effects of a supervised whole-body high-intensity interval training (WB-HIIT) program conducted entirely in person in adults with overweight and obesity.

Overweight and obesity are associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic impairments, and increased risk of chronic diseases. In contrast, regular physical activity is known to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic health, body composition, strength, and quality of life. WB-HIIT, which involves body-weight exercises performed at high intensity with controlled recovery intervals, provides a time-efficient, equipment-free training modality that can be adapted for individuals with excess body weight.

A total of 40 adults aged 18 to 55 years with a BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m² will be recruited and allocated to an intervention and control group. In the intervention group, participants will complete a 10-week supervised WB-HIIT program consisting of 2 to 3 sessions per week. Training sessions will include 8 to 12 whole-body exercises targeting major muscle groups, performed in intervals lasting 20 to 60 seconds with recovery periods adjusted according to participant progression. Intensity will be monitored through heart rate and perceived exertion (Borg CR-10 scale), and progression will be achieved by modifying the number of sets, exercise complexity, and work-to-rest ratio.

All participants will undergo comprehensive pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Body composition will be measured using DXA, and anthropometric measurements will include waist circumference and BMI. Cardiometabolic health will be assessed through fasting blood sampling measuring glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, hepatic markers, and additional exploratory biomarkers. Cardiorespiratory fitness will be evaluated using a maximal graded treadmill test with gas exchange analysis to determine VO₂peak and the Chester step test. Functional performance will be assessed through the 30-second chair-stand test, arm-curl test, and 6-minute walk test. Muscular strength will be evaluated through 3-repetition maximum (3-RM) testing and fatigue protocols at 60% of 1-RM for the leg-press and bench-press exercises. Physical activity and dietary habits will also be evaluated before and after the intervention.

The primary outcomes of the study are the changes in VO₂peak and muscle strength following the intervention. Secondary outcomes include changes in body composition, metabolic parameters, and functional capacity. Statistical analyses will include repeated-measures ANOVA and between-group comparisons using parametric or non-parametric methods as appropriate.

This study aims to deepen understanding of the effects of supervised WB-HIIT in overweight adults and to identify practical, scalable training methods that can be implemented in community or clinical settings. The findings may guide the development of accessible exercise-based health strategies for improving fitness and metabolic health in this population.

Being tested
Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT)
Keywords
Overweight, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Composition, Muscular Strength, Whole-Body HIIT, Body-Weight Exercise, Metabolic health
Medical subject headings
Overweight

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT)Behavioural

    A structured WB-HIIT program using body-weight exercises such as squats, lunges, mountain climbers, and similar multi-joint movements. Sessions last 35-50 minutes and include 3 to 4 sets of interval blocks performed at high intensity. The training is supervised by qualified exercise professionals.

Study groups in NCT07582718
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
WB-HIIT InterventionExperimentalA supervised whole-body high-intensity interval training (WB-HIIT) program performed in small groups. Participants complete 2 to 3 sessions per week for 10 weeks. Each session includes a warm-up followed by 8 to 12 whole-body exercises performed at high intensity for 20-60 seconds with recovery periods of 20-60 seconds. Progression is applied by adjusting exercise complexity, number of sets, and work-to-rest ratio. Heart rate and perceived exertion (Borg CR-10 scale) are monitored.
Receives: Behavioral: Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT)
Control GroupNo interventionParticipants in the control group do not receive structured exercise training. They maintain their usual lifestyle and complete the same pre- and post-intervention assessments as the intervention group.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak)

    Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) will be measured during a maximal graded treadmill exercise test with gas analysis to assess changes in cardiorespiratory fitness following the 10-week WB-HIIT program. VO₂peak will be expressed in mL·kg-¹·min-¹.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  2. Muscular strength

    Maximal dynamic strength will be assessed using 3-repetition maximum (3-RM) tests on the leg press and bench press.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Estimated VO₂max from the Chester Step Test

    Cardiorespiratory fitness will also be estimated using the Chester Step Test to evaluate submaximal aerobic capacity.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  2. Body composition

    Total and segmental (i.e., arms, legs and trunk) body fat mass, lean mass, and visceral fat will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). They will all be expressed in kg.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  3. Muscular endurance (fatigue tests at 60% 1-RM)

    Muscular endurance will be evaluated by recording the number of repetitions performed at 60% of the estimated 1-RM for leg press and bench press.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  4. Functional performance (chair-stand test)

    Lower-body function will be assessed using the 30-second chair-stand test.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  5. Upper-body functional performance (arm-curl test)

    Upper-body functional performance will be measured using the 30-second arm-curl test with standardized weights (2 kg for women, 4 kg for men).

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  6. Functional capacity (6-minute walk test)

    Functional aerobic capacity will be assessed during a standardized 6-minute walk test, recording distance walked and recovery heart rate.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  7. Blood biomarkers

    Fasting blood markers will include glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides), liver enzymes, and exploratory metabolic biomarkers.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  8. Waist circumference

    Waist circumference will be measured at the midpoint between the lower rib and iliac crest to assess changes in abdominal adiposity.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  9. Physical activity level using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire

    Self-reported physical activity will be assessed using the short format of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short form).

    The IPAQ-short form assesses physical activity over the past seven days by recording time spent in vigorous activity, moderate activity, walking, and sitting.

    It converts the time spent in different physical activity intensities into total energy expenditure, expressed in MET-minutes per week. Walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity are assigned MET values of 3.3, 4.0, and 8.0 respectively.

    Based on an individual's responses, the physical activity level can be expressed continuously (MET-min per week), or categorised has low, moderate and high (please refer to: https://sites.google.com/view/ipaq/score). Higher values/scores mean a higher level of physical activity.

    Measured: At Baseline

  10. Dietary intake (3-day food record)

    Dietary intake will be evaluated using a 3-day food record analyzed with standardized nutrition software.

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and once during the week following completion of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  11. Weight

    Weight will be measured using a scale (in kilograms).

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  12. Height

    Height will be measured using stadiometer (in meters).

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

  13. Body mass index

    Weight and height will be combined to report body mass index, expressed in kg/m²

    Measured: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 May 2026
  2. Study start9 Nov 2022
  3. Primary completionJun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJun 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants are allocated into two parallel groups (intervention vs. control) using semi-stratified assignment based on age, BMI, and sex to balance baseline characteristics. The intervention group completes a supervised 10-week WB-HIIT program, while the control group maintains usual lifestyle habits. All participants undergo identical pre- and post-intervention assessments.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07582718
Sponsor's protocol ID
ULB-WBHIIT-OVERWEIGHT-2026-01
Other IDs
P2022-344
Acronym
WB-HIIT
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
19 Feb 2026
Last updated
13 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to confidentiality requirements and restrictions imposed by the ethics committee.

Publications

  • Scoubeau C, Bonnechere B, Cnop M, Faoro V, Klass M. Effectiveness of Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training on Health-Related Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 3;19(15):9559. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159559.

    PubMed 35954911
  • Scoubeau C, Carpentier J, Baudry S, Faoro V, Klass M. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and neuromuscular adaptations induced by a home-based whole-body high intensity interval training. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2023 Apr;21(2):226-236. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2023.02.004. Epub 2023 Mar 10.

    PubMed 36970125

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Whole-Body High-Intensity Interval Training (WB-HIIT) in people with Overweight and/or Obesity, run by Université Libre de Bruxelles at 1 site in Belgium.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Belgium. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Julie Carpentier, PhD (+3225553859, julie.carpentier@ulb.be), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) (time frame: The outcome will be assessed once at baseline and within 72 hours after the last session of the whole-body high-intensity interval training intervention.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07582718, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 May 2026.

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