Microvascular and Metabolic Effects of High-intensity Interval Exercise Training (HIIT-FAST)

Physical inactivity and increased caloric intake play important roles in the pathophysiology of obesity. Increases of physical activity and modifications of eating behaviors are first-line interventions which, however, are not easily implemented, and lack of time to exercise and difficulties in coping with different diets are common reasons for failure. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a "faster" alternative to moderate-intensity continuous training (CT). Conversely, intermittent fasting is also an alternative to more complex diets, as it restricts caloric intake to a specified period of time without major diet composition changes. The combination of HIIT and fasting may therefore provide incremental benefits.

Sedentary women aged ≥ 30 years and ≤50 years, with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and cardiometabolic risk factors, will be randomized to HIIT performed in the fasting state, HIIT performed in the fed state, CT in the fasting state or CT in the fed state. Cardiometabolic parameters, anthropometric indices, cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life and microvascular function (cutaneous capillary density and microvascular reactivity evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging) will be evaluated before the initiation of the interventions and 4 weeks thereafter.