A Study on the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Intervention on Physical Fitness of University Students with Obesity

Abstract

The population of university students with obesity faces a significant risk of declining physical fitness levels, while traditional exercise protocols often suffer from insufficient adherence due to their time-consuming nature. Characterized by high time efficiency and strong metabolic stimulation, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) presents a potential optimized choice for exercise intervention in this group. This article systematically elaborates on the physiological and metabolic adaptation mechanisms of HIIT, analyzes the multidimensional characteristics of physical fitness composition among university students with obesity, and outlines the principles for its safe application. Furthermore, it explores the integrated network through which HIIT enhances overall physical fitness via three primary pathways: regulating energy metabolism and body composition, optimizing cardiopulmonary function and autonomic nervous system balance, and improving skeletal muscle mass and insulin sensitivity. The study indicates that the interventional effects of HIIT manifest as synergistic gains across various physical fitness dimensions, yet exhibit individual variability influenced by multiple factors such as genetics, phenotype, and behavior. Future research should focus on the refined design of HIIT protocols, integrate multi-omics approaches and digital technologies to promote biomarker-based personalized interventions, and explore its value in broader health outcomes.