PMID 39949665

Research
All papers

Distinct lipidomic profiles but similar improvements in aerobic capacity following sprint interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in male adolescents

Su W, Liu J, Wang A, Zhang H, Sun Y, Yan Z, Svensson M, Yu JG, Zhao L

Question

Do 6 weeks of SIT and MICT produce different aerobic-capacity, serum lipoprotein, and serum lipidomic adaptations in healthy untrained male adolescents?

Summary

This randomized school-based laboratory study compared 6 weeks of cycling sprint interval training with moderate continuous cycling in healthy untrained male adolescents. Both programs similarly improved VO2peak, while standard blood lipids and body composition did not significantly change. Targeted lipidomics showed different serum lipid adaptations: SIT mainly reduced five free fatty acids, whereas MICT changed a broader set of sphingolipids and phospholipids.

Methodology

  • Twenty-four healthy untrained male adolescents aged 12-14 years, randomized to SIT or MICT.
  • 24 participants.
  • Cycle ergometer.
  • Work intervals: 30-second all-out cycling bouts.
  • Recovery: 4-minute rests between bouts.
  • Intensity: All-out against resistance equal to 7.5% of body mass.
  • Not explicitly summed; includes 10-minute warm-up and 10-minute cool-down.
  • 3 days per week.
  • 6 weeks.
  • Randomized two-arm exercise training study with pre/post VO2peak, body composition, serum lipoprotein, and targeted lipidomic measures.
  • VO2peak, Body composition, Serum lipoproteins and glucose, and Serum lipidomic profile were tracked.

Outcomes

VO2peak

Both SIT and MICT significantly improved VO2peak with no meaningful between-group difference.

Time effect F(1,44) = 14.75, p < 0.001; group p = 0.65; interaction p = 0.97.

Improved

Serum clinical lipids and fasting glucose

Standard serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, and fasting glucose did not significantly change within or between groups.

No clear change

SIT lipidomic profile

SIT significantly decreased five free fatty acids.

5 of 276 lipids changed; FDR <0.05 and FC <1/1.5.

Mixed

MICT lipidomic profile

MICT significantly changed 28 lipids, with 7 increased and 21 decreased, mainly sphingolipids and phospholipids.

28 of 276 lipids changed; FDR <0.05 and FC >1.5 or <1/1.5.

Mixed

Insights

  • A short 30-second sprint format with long rests can improve VO2peak in healthy untrained male adolescents under supervision.
  • Similar aerobic gains do not imply identical metabolic adaptations.
  • All-out adolescent sprint training is not a casual unsupervised prescription.

Limitations

  • Small sample of 24 participants.
  • Male-only adolescent sample.
  • No non-exercise control group.
  • Short intervention and no long-term follow-up.
  • Nutrition was not tracked in detail.
  • Some lipidomic quantification methods require cautious interpretation.

Safety

  • No adverse events were reported.
  • All 24 adolescents completed testing and training.