Clinical Research Directory

The HIIT group will undergo training for 12 weeks, with a frequency of three sessions per week, completing a total of 36 sessions. Each session will include a 5-minute warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down at 50-60% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). The training protocol will consist of 2-minute high-intensity intervals performed at 90-95% HRmax, corresponding to a Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 17-18, alternated with 2-minute recovery periods at 70% HRmax (RPE 12-14). A total of five intervals will be completed per session, resulting in an overall high-intensity workload of 18 minutes. All training sessions will be conducted on a stationary cycle ergometer

The MICT group will perform moderate-intensity continuous training at 60-70% HRmax, corresponding to an RPE of 12-14, for 35-45 minutes on a stationary cycleergometer. Heart rate and physical activity levels will be continuously monitored in both groups using a chest-strap heart rate sensor (Polar H9, Polar Electro, Finland).

In addition, four educational sessions will be conducted to provide dietary recommendations to all participants. These sessions will aim to promote balanced eating habits and to discourage the excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods or alcohol, as these factors could interfere with the intervention outcomes.