High Intensity Interval Training among middle-aged and older adults: a review of protocols and outcomes

Objective. - The present study aimed to conduct a literature review of the available research evidence to provide an overview of high intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols as well as primary and secondary outcomes being investigated in research studies, predominantly in the middle aged and older adult population. News. - Research studies published in the last 5 years that evaluated the effects of HIIT on health-related outcomes in middle aged and older adults individuals (aged 50 years and over) were searched in two academic databases (Academic Search Complete and PubMed) in conjunction with cross referencing of the selected articles. HIIT protocols implemented by the included studies were predominantly of chronic duration, though HIIT-intervention of acute duration was also presented. In terms of outcomes, studies using HIIT among individuals aged 50 years and above have primarily investigated its effects on physical/physiological with only two studies focusing on brain-health variables.