The Acute Effects of Short-Bout High-Intensity Interval Training on Physiological and Perceptual Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Understanding the acute demands of short-bout high-intensity interval training can enhance training outcomes.
Objective: We aimed to examine the acute physiological and perceptual demands of short-bout high-intensity interval training in athletes and identify how they are moderated by programming variables, fitness level and competitive level.
Methods: We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL on 2 December, 2025 for original research articles investigating running-based, short-bout high-intensity interval training in healthy athletes, aged 16-40 years, of any sex, who were recreationally active or above. Outcomes were analysed using a multi-level mixed-effects meta-analysis. The analysed outcomes were: average heart rate (HRavg), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak and average oxygen consumption (VO2), time > 90% of maximal oxygen consumption (T > 90% VO2max), time > 95% of VO2max (T > 95% VO2max), T > 90% VO2max/exercise time ratio (T90/ET), T > 95% VO2max/exercise time ratio (T95/ET), blood lactate concentration (B[La]) and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE). To examine the influence of programming variables, fitness level, and competitive level, a meta-regression was performed on moderators with ten or more samples. Effects were evaluated based on coverage of their confidence limits against elected thresholds of practical importance.
Results: From 139 data samples within 46 studies, the pooled demands (± 90% confidence limit) of short-bout…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Chaos and quantum thermalization
- The Dalton quantum chemistry program system
- Cord Blood Leptin and Adiponectin as Predictors of Adiposity in Children at 3 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study
- Quantitative metabolomics by H-NMR and LC-MS/MS confirms altered metabolic pathways in diabetes
- Stable adiabatic quantum batteries
- A novel self-lipid antigen targets human T cells against CD1c(+) leukemias
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.