P2.193: Exploring Perceptions and Physical Effort in High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Play-Based Activities

Background: The 2023 guidelines recommend more than 26 hours of lifestyle intervention for children with obesity in 3-12 months which includes physical activity (PA) as effective interventions. Achieving this level can be challenging and PA programs should be structured to maximize participation. The purpose of this project was to measure both subjective and objective outcome measures pertaining to physical activity including exertion levels and sense of enjoyment in children with obesity exposed to two PA interventions – structured high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and gameplay (PLAY).

Methods: A convenience sample of children referred to a tertiary care center in the USA for treatment of obesity was recruited. We used a cross-over study design involving two interventions: gameplay (PLAY) v. HIIT, with sessions lasting 8 minutes. Within the 60-minute exercise session, two PLAY and two HIIT sessions were completed by participants, with each PLAY and HIIT session lasting 8 minutes. Games were chosen from a previously published list that verified high levels of physical activity and perceived enjoyment. HIIT session consisted of 8 different exercises performed at high intensity for 45 seconds and resting 15 seconds. Outcomes measured included validated subjective measures assessing enjoyment on the Facial Affective Scale (FAS on a scale of 1-9) and workload on the Modified Perceived Rate of Exertion (RPE on a scale of 0-10) at the end of each HIIT and PLAY session. Physical activity was objectively measured via a Polar H7 heartrate monitor and categorized as low, moderate or vigorous based on heartrate. Comparisons between HIIT and PLAY on the outcome variables of enjoyment, RPE and percent time in moderate and vigorous PA were assessed with paired samples t-tests with a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results: Participants (N = 67) included 24 boys and 43 girls (avg. age 14.4, range 10.2-21.4). Total time in HIIT and PLAY was similar (p=.263). RPE was lower for PLAY (5.41 vs 4.91, p<.006). Enjoyment was higher for PLAY than HIIT (3.26 vs. 2.58, p<.006) Percent time in vigorous PA was greater in PLAY than HIIT (65% vs 38%, p<.006). Percent time in moderate PA was greater in HIIT than PLAY (32% vs 51%, p<.006)

Conclusion: Overall, children spent nearly 30% more time in vigorous PA in PLAY than in HIIT. In addition, children rated perceived exertion lower in PLAY and enjoyment with the activity as higher in PLAY. Game play appears superior to HIIT in enjoyment, PRE and percent time spent in vigorous PA. Play has long been recognized as essential to a child’s neurocognitive development. It should be increasingly recognized as well as a powerful intervention to increase PA behavior.