Abstract
Background and Purpose: Obesity and physical inactivity are significant chronic disease risk factors that are highly prevalent in Puerto Rico, particularly among women. Short-duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) seems to be safe and effective improving health parameters, similar to longer duration moderate-intensity exercise.
Study Design: This case report describes an exercise intervention on the basis of the Tabata-HIIT protocol, its acceptance among 2 obese Hispanic women, and pre-/postfunctional capacity response outcomes.
Case Description: Two sedentary, obese, but otherwise healthy women completed a 6-week, 3 days/week, Tabata-HIIT on the basis of thruster exercises. Each session lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Outcomes: Both participants completed 100% of the interventions without injuries or complaints, and increased functional capacity as measured by the time to complete a 1-mile walk test. Body mass index was unchanged, but waist-to-hip ratio reached normal values for one participant at posttest. Resting systolic blood pressures were also within normal values for both participants at posttest.
Discussion: The Tabata-HIIT was well-accepted, completed without signs of knee injury or pain, and effective in improving functional capacity in these sedentary, obese Hispanic women. A randomized clinical trial is warranted to determine the consistency of these results.