CPET-based HIIT for MAFLD

Summary

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), as an individualized exercise training mode based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is characterized by high-intensity training sessions interspersed with short rest periods. The findings from recent trials suggest that in the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), compared with traditional aerobic exercise modes such as moderate-intensity continuous training, HIIT may achieve similar or even better effects in reducing liver fat content, increasing peak oxygen uptake, improving insulin resistance, and lowering blood pressure, despite requiring less time commitment and lower energy expenditure. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the formulation of HIIT exercise protocols.

Based on the lower limits of the current mainstream HIIT intensity, sets, and interval time parameters, this study aims to assess the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of the current exercise prescription in improving MAFLD.

Conditions

• Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

HIIT

Exercise sessions were conducted as telemedically supervised, home-based HIIT performed on electric resistance bikes, with protocols individually tailored. Each HIIT session comprised 8 cycles of alternating 30-second high-intensity intervals (HIT at 80% peakVO₂) and 60-second low-intensity recovery intervals (LIT at 50% peakVO₂). Warm-up and cool-down phases were performed with the bike's resistance set to 0 watts (unloaded pedaling). The total intervention duration was 8 weeks. Received health lifestyle education based on the Prevention and Treatment Guidelines for Metabolic (Non-Alcoholic) Fatty Liver Disease (2024 Edition) and the Dietary Guidelines for Adults with Hyperlipidemia (2023 Edition).Wear smart bracelets 24/7 to monitor daily activity levels, with participants prohibited from engaging in any other systematic exercise training during the intervention period.

BEHAVIORAL

No specific exercise intervention.

The control group will not receive any exercise intervention, and they will be instructed to not take any structured exercise regimens.Received health lifestyle education based on the Prevention and Treatment Guidelines for Metabolic (Non-Alcoholic) Fatty Liver Disease (2024 Edition) and the Dietary Guidelines for Adults with Hyperlipidemia (2023 Edition).Wear smart bracelets 24/7 to monitor daily activity levels, with participants prohibited from engaging in any other systematic exercise training during the intervention period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tang Yida

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Yida Tang · Peking University Third Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

35 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-08

Primary Completion

2026-03-31

Completion

2026-04-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations