The purpose of this study is to compare two types of exercise programs in college students: high-intensity functional training and moderate-intensity continuous training. The study evaluates whether these exercise programs improve body composition, physical fitness, and blood vessel health compared with a group that does not participate in exercise training. In addition, the study examines whether changes in body composition and physical fitness are associated with changes in blood vessel health.
Age 18 to 35 years.
Currently enrolled college or university student.
Able to provide written informed consent.
Able to attend baseline and post-intervention testing visits and participate in assigned intervention sessions.
Known cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, neurological, musculoskeletal, or endocrine disorder that would make exercise unsafe or confound outcome measures.
Current pregnancy or planning pregnancy during the study period.
Current smoking, vaping nicotine products, or use of tobacco products.
Uncontrolled hypertension or resting blood pressure values that make exercise testing unsafe based on investigator judgment.
Parallel
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)
BehavioralParticipants will perform supervised high-intensity functional training using multi-joint functional movements that may include body-weight exercises, resistance-based movements, step-ups, squats, lunges, push-ups or modified push-ups, core exercises, etc. The intervention will be conducted over 8 weeks, with participants completing three sessions per week. Each session will last approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)
BehavioralParticipants will perform supervised moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise such as treadmill walking/jogging, cycling, elliptical exercise, or step-based aerobic activity. The intervention will be conducted over 8 weeks, with participants completing three sessions per week. Each session will last approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Change in Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV)
Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) will be measured in meters per second (m/s) at baseline and post intervention as an indicator of arterial stiffness. Measurement will be obtained using the SphygmoCor XCEL device (AtCor Medical) with upper arm and thigh cuffs with carotid artery applanation tonometry to assess pulse wave transit time
Change in Central Augmentation Index (cAIx)
The central augmentation index (cAIx), expressed as a percentage, will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the SphygmoCor XCEL device via pulse wave analysis of the central arterial waveform derived from carotid artery tonometry and peripheral blood pressure measurements.
Change in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
Mean arterial pressure (MAP), measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. MAP will be assessed using the SphygmoCor XCEL system (AtCor Medical) based on an algorithm derived from peripheral blood pressure obtained via an automated upper arm cuff.
Percent Change in Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD)
Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) will be measured at baseline and post-intervention using a Philips Affiniti 50 ultrasound system and expressed as the percent (%) change in brachial artery diameter from pre-occlusion baseline to peak dilation following a 5-minute forearm occlusion. The outcome will be reported as the change in FMD (%) from baseline to post-intervention.
Change in Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI), measured in kilograms per meter squared (kg/m²), will be calculated from standardized measurements of height and weight.
Change in Waist Circumference (WC)
Waist circumference (WC), measured in centimeters (cm), will be assessed using a standardized measuring tape at the level of the iliac crest.
Change in Body fat percentage (BF%)
Body fat percentage (BF%) will be assessed using the SECA mBCA (Medical Body Composition Analyzer) bioelectrical impedance analyzer and reported as a percentage (%).
Change in Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM)
Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) will be assessed using the SECA mBCA (Medical Body Composition Analyzer) bioelectrical impedance analyzer and reported in kilograms (kg).
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