Effects of a Cycling versus Running HIIT Program on Fat Mass Loss and Gut Microbiota Composition in Men with Overweight/Obesity

ABSTRACT Purpose High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can efficiently decrease total and (intra-)abdominal fat mass (FM); however, the effects of running versus cycling HIIT programs on FM reduction have not been compared yet. In addition, the link between HIIT-induced FM reduction and gut microbiota must be better investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two 12-wk HIIT isoenergetic programs (cycling vs running) on body composition and fecal microbiota composition in nondieting men with overweight or obesity. Methods Sixteen men (age, 54.2 ± 9.6 yr; body mass index, 29.9 ± 2.3 kg·m −2 ) were randomly assigned to the HIIT-BIKE (10 × 45 s at 80%–85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) or HIIT-RUN (9 × 45 s at 80%–85% of maximal heart rate, 90-s active recovery) group (3 times per week). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to determine body composition. Preintervention and postintervention fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and diet was controlled. Results Overall, body weight, and abdominal and visceral FM decreased over time ( P < 0.05). No difference was observed for weight, total body FM, and visceral FM between groups (% change). Conversely, abdominal FM loss was greater in the HIIT-RUN group (−16.1% vs −8.3%; P = 0.050). The α-diversity of gut microbiota did not vary between baseline and intervention end and between groups, but was associated with abdominal FM change ( r = −0.6; P = 0.02). The baseline microbiota profile and composition changes were correlated with total and abdominal/visceral FM losses. Conclusions Both cycling and running isoenergetic HIIT programs improved body composition in men with overweight/obesity. Baseline intestinal microbiota composition and its postintervention variations were correlated with FM reduction, strengthening the possible link between these parameters. The mechanisms underlying the greater abdominal FM loss in the HIIT-RUN group require additional investigations.