ExerciseNCT07745270
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) vs Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in College Students
A study testing High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in people with Exercise, run by University of Miami at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise
- What is being tested?
- High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Jun 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
- Cleared for exercise participation based on the health screening form and investigator review.
Who cannot join
- 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.
- Use of medications known to substantially affect cardiovascular function, vascular tone, or exercise responses, unless approved by the PI.
- Any injury, orthopedic limitation, or medical condition preventing safe participation in HIFT, MICT, or physical fitness testing.
- Currently participating in structured high-intensity interval, functional, or endurance training more than two days per week during the previous three months.
- Do not speak English.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Merrick Building, University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida, 33146
Arlette Perry, PhD, 305-284-3025, aperry@miami.edu
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Interval Compared to Continuous Training on Physical Variables and Vascular Health in College Students: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
- Conditions
- Exercise
- Being tested
- High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)Behavioural
Participants 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)Behavioural
Participants 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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform supervised high-intensity functional training (HIFT) using multi-joint functional movements. Participants will complete training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) |
| Moderate-intensity Continuous Training (MICT) Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform supervised moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise. Participants will complete training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) |
| Control Group | No intervention | The control group will not receive supervised exercise training during the intervention period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT)
Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), measured in millimeters (mm), will be assessed using a Philips Affiniti 50 ultrasound system at baseline and post-intervention. High-resolution B-mode images of the distal common carotid artery will be acquired, and mean wall thickness will be calculated from standardized image segments of the left and right carotid arteries.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (10)
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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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.
Measured: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
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 (%).
Measured: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
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).
Measured: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT)
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) will be measured using the SECA mBCA (Medical Body Composition Analyzer) bioelectrical impedance analyzer and reported in liters (L).
Measured: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Muscular Strength
Muscular strength will be measured to include lower body muscular strength and upper body handgrip strength. Lower body muscular strength will be assessed using a hip-hinge/deadlift-style test with a force plate transducer to measure maximal force production. Upper body handgrip strength will be assessed using a calibrated hydraulic hand dynamometer. Results will be reported in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Cardiorespiratory fitness will be assessed using the Queens College Step Test. Heart rate will be recorded at the end of the test and used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in milliliters of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL / kg / min). The outcome will be reported as the change from baseline to post-intervention.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Muscular Endurance
Muscular endurance will be assessed using the 1-minute curl-up test. Participants will complete as many correctly performed curl-ups as possible within 1 minute, and the number of valid repetitions will be recorded. The outcome will be reported as the change from baseline to post-intervention.
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach test)
Flexibility will be assessed using the Sit-and-Reach test. Participants will reach forward while seated with legs extended, and the maximum distance reached beyond the toes will be recorded in centimeters (cm).
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Flexibility (Trunk Lift test)
Flexibility will be assessed using the Trunk Lift Test. Participants will lie prone and lift their upper body off the floor while maintaining a neutral head position. The vertical distance from the floor to the participant's chin will be measured in centimeters (cm).
Measured: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Aug 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionJun 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ExerciseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Miami
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Arlette Perry, University of Miami
- Investigators
- Arlette Perry, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Miami
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07745270
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 20260670
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Interval Compared to Continuous Training on Physical Variables and Vascular Health in College Students: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07745270
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 20260670
- Conditions
- Exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of MiamiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jun 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| High-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) Group | Experimental | Behavioral: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)Participants in this group will perform supervised high-intensity functional training (HIFT) using multi-joint functional movements. Participants will complete training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. |
| Moderate-intensity Continuous Training (MICT) Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)Participants in this group will perform supervised moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise. Participants will complete training 3 days per week for 8 weeks. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –The control group will not receive supervised exercise training during the intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
- Cleared for exercise participation based on the health screening form and investigator review.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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.
- Use of medications known to substantially affect cardiovascular function, vascular tone, or exercise responses, unless approved by the PI.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)Participants 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. | Behavioural | High-intensity Functional Training (HIFT) Group |
| Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)Participants 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. | Behavioural | Moderate-intensity Continuous Training (MICT) Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
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 Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), measured in millimeters (mm), will be assessed using a Philips Affiniti 50 ultrasound system at baseline and post-intervention. High-resolution B-mode images of the distal common carotid artery will be acquired, and mean wall thickness will be calculated from standardized image segments of the left and right carotid arteries.
10 secondary outcomes
Change in Body mass index (BMI)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Waist Circumference (WC)
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Body fat percentage (BF%)
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM)
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT)
Time frame: Baseline and 10 weeks (post-intervention)
Change in Muscular Strength
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Muscular Endurance
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach test)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Change in Flexibility (Trunk Lift test)
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Arlette Perry, PhD principal investigator
University of Miami
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in people with Exercise, run by University of Miami at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Arlette Perry, PhD (305-284-3025, aperry@miami.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) (time frame: Baseline and Week 10 (post-intervention)). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Aug 2026.