Overweight and ObesityNCT07861048
Active Versus Passive Recovery During HIIT in Children With Overweight or Obesity
A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training with Active Recovery and High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive Recovery in people with Overweight and Obesity, run by High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of Kef at 1 site in Tunisia.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program with active versus passive recovery on physical performance, anthropometric characteristics, cardiometabolic parameters, and inflammatory markers in children with overweight or obesity. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 6 to 9 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Overweight and Obesity
- What is being tested?
- High-Intensity Interval Training with Active Recovery and High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive Recovery
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTunisia
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 15 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 6 to 9 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children aged 6-9 years. Prepubertal children (Tanner stage I). Overweight or obesity according to the pediatric BMI reference curves of Rolland-Cachera et al. (1991).
- Medical clearance to participate in a structured exercise training program.
Who cannot join
- Any medical condition or contraindication preventing participation in physical exercise.
- Failure to comply with the study protocol or training program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Tunisia1 site
High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef,
El Kef, Kef Governorate, 7100
About this study
Official title: Effects of Active Versus Passive Recovery During High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Performance, Cardiometabolic Health, and Inflammatory Markers in Children With Overweight or Obesity
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program with active versus passive recovery on physical performance, anthropometric characteristics, cardiometabolic parameters, and inflammatory markers in children with overweight or obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to a HIIT group with active recovery, a HIIT group with passive recovery, or a non-exercise control group.
Read the detailed description
Childhood overweight and obesity are associated with impaired physical fitness, cardiometabolic disturbances, chronic low-grade inflammation, and reduced functional capacity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise strategy that alternates short periods of high-intensity exercise with recovery periods and may improve physical fitness and health-related outcomes in children with overweight or obesity. However, the potential influence of recovery mode during HIIT, particularly active versus passive recovery, remains insufficiently understood.
This study will assess the effects of a 12-week HIIT program performed with either active or passive recovery, compared with a non-exercise control condition, in children with overweight or obesity. The training program will consist of 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will include a standardized 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), and an 8-minute cool-down. In the HIITA group, each high-intensity bout will be followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS. In the HIITP group, each high-intensity bout will be followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery. Exercise intensity and the number of repetitions will progressively increase throughout the intervention.
The study will evaluate the effects of the two HIIT recovery strategies on:
Anthropometric characteristics and body composition Aerobic capacity and estimated VO₂max Functional capacity assessed by the 6-minute walk test Sprint performance Lower-limb explosive power assessed by squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump tests Horizontal explosive performance assessed by the five-jump test Resting heart rate and blood pressure Fasting blood glucose Lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides Inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Complete blood count parameters
Participants will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention under standardized conditions. Blood samples will be collected following an overnight fast, with participants instructed to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 72 hours before blood collection and to maintain their habitual dietary habits. Physical fitness and anthropometric assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention. Participants in the control group will maintain their usual daily activities and regular physical education classes without participating in additional structured exercise training.
- Conditions
- Overweight and Obesity
- Being tested
- High-Intensity Interval Training with Active Recovery, High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive Recovery
- Keywords
- High-intensity interval training, Active recovery, Passive recovery, Overweight, Obesity, Physical fitness, Aerobic capacity, Cardiometabolic health, Inflammation, C-reactive protein, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- Medical subject headings
- Overweight, Obesity, Inflammation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High-Intensity Interval Training with Active RecoveryBehavioural
A 12-week high-intensity interval training program performed three times per week for a total of 36 sessions. Each session includes a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity progressively increase throughout the 12-week program.
High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive RecoveryBehavioural
A 12-week high-intensity interval training program performed three times per week for a total of 36 sessions. Each session includes a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery, during which participants remain standing or walk at very low intensity, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity progressively increase throughout the 12-week program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| HIIT with Active Recovery | Experimental | Participants will perform a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, three sessions per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity will progressively increase throughout the 12-week intervention. Training sessions will be supervised by qualified exercise professionals. Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training with Active Recovery |
| HIIT with Passive Recovery | Experimental | Participants will perform a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, three sessions per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery, during which participants will remain standing or walk at very low intensity, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity will progressively increase throughout the 12-week intervention. Training sessions will be supervised by qualified exercise professionals. Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive Recovery |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants will maintain their usual daily activities and regular physical education classes during the 12-week study period. They will not participate in any additional structured exercise training program and will be instructed to maintain their habitual lifestyle and avoid initiating any additional organized exercise program. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Maximal aerobic velocity (MAS)
Maximal aerobic velocity assessed using the VAMEVAL progressive, continuous, multistage running test.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)
Estimated VO₂max derived from the final running velocity achieved during the VAMEVAL test.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Six-minute walking distance (6MWD)
Distance covered during the standardized 6-minute walk test.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
30-Meter Sprint Performance
Best time recorded during the 30-meter maximal sprint test using photocell timing gates.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
40-meter sprint performance
Best time recorded during the 40-meter maximal sprint test using photocell timing gates.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Fasting Blood Glucose
Fasting blood glucose concentration measured after a 12-hour overnight fast.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Total Cholesterol
Fasting serum total cholesterol concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
C-Reactive Protein(CRP)
Fasting blood CRP concentration measured as a marker of systemic inflammation.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), measured using the Westergren method with a sedimentation pipette
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration calculated using the Friedewald equation.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Triglycerides
Fasting serum triglyceride concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Body mass
Body mass measured in kilograms using a calibrated digital scale.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI calculated as body mass in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Waist circumference
Waist circumference measured in centimeters at the narrowest point between the lowest rib and the iliac crest.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Body fat percentage
Body fat percentage estimated from the sum of four skinfold measurements using the Durnin-Womersley equations and Siri equation.
Measured: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Oct 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion15 Apr 2026
- Study completion15 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Overweight and ObesityStudies 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
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of Kef
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Wissal Abassi, High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of Kef
- Investigators
- wissal abassi, Principal investigator, Research Unit "Sport Sciences, Health and Movement"(UR22JS01) High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, 7100 Kef, Tunisia.
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07861048
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Recovery--2025
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: For confidentiality reasons, all data from this study are available upon request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Active Versus Passive Recovery During High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Performance, Cardiometabolic Health, and Inflammatory Markers in Children With Overweight or Obesity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07861048
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Recovery--2025
- Conditions
- Overweight and Obesity
- Keywords
- High-intensity interval training, Active recovery, Passive recovery, Overweight, Obesity, Physical fitness, Aerobic capacity, Cardiometabolic health
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of KefUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Oct 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.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program with active versus passive recovery on physical performance, anthropometric characteristics, cardiometabolic parameters, and inflammatory markers in children with overweight or obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to a HIIT group with active recovery, a HIIT group with passive recovery, or a non-exercise control group.
Detailed description
Childhood overweight and obesity are associated with impaired physical fitness, cardiometabolic disturbances, chronic low-grade inflammation, and reduced functional capacity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise strategy that alternates short periods of high-intensity exercise with recovery periods and may improve physical fitness and health-related outcomes in children with overweight or obesity. However, the potential influence of recovery mode during HIIT, particularly active versus passive recovery, remains insufficiently understood.
This study will assess the effects of a 12-week HIIT program performed with either active or passive recovery, compared with a non-exercise control condition, in children with overweight or obesity. The training program will consist of 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will include a standardized 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), and an 8-minute cool-down. In the HIITA group, each high-intensity bout will be followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS. In the HIITP group, each high-intensity bout will be followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery. Exercise intensity and the number of repetitions will progressively increase throughout the intervention.
The study will evaluate the effects of the two HIIT recovery strategies on:
Anthropometric characteristics and body composition Aerobic capacity and estimated VO₂max Functional capacity assessed by the 6-minute walk test Sprint performance Lower-limb explosive power assessed by squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump tests Horizontal explosive performance assessed by the five-jump test Resting heart rate and blood pressure Fasting blood glucose Lipid profile, including total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides Inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Complete blood count parameters
Participants will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention under standardized conditions. Blood samples will be collected following an overnight fast, with participants instructed to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 72 hours before blood collection and to maintain their habitual dietary habits. Physical fitness and anthropometric assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention. Participants in the control group will maintain their usual daily activities and regular physical education classes without participating in additional structured exercise training.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| HIIT with Active Recovery | Experimental | Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training with Active RecoveryParticipants will perform a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, three sessions per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity will progressively increase throughout the 12-week intervention. Training sessions will be supervised by qualified exercise professionals. |
| HIIT with Passive Recovery | Experimental | Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive RecoveryParticipants will perform a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, three sessions per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Each session will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts performed at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery, during which participants will remain standing or walk at very low intensity, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity will progressively increase throughout the 12-week intervention. Training sessions will be supervised by qualified exercise professionals. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants will maintain their usual daily activities and regular physical education classes during the 12-week study period. They will not participate in any additional structured exercise training program and will be instructed to maintain their habitual lifestyle and avoid initiating any additional organized exercise program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 6 to 9 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Children aged 6-9 years. Prepubertal children (Tanner stage I). Overweight or obesity according to the pediatric BMI reference curves of Rolland-Cachera et al. (1991).
- Medical clearance to participate in a structured exercise training program.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Any medical condition or contraindication preventing participation in physical exercise.
- Failure to comply with the study protocol or training program.
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 Interval Training with Active RecoveryA 12-week high-intensity interval training program performed three times per week for a total of 36 sessions. Each session includes a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of active recovery at approximately 50% of MAS, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity progressively increase throughout the 12-week program. | Behavioural | HIIT with Active Recovery |
| High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive RecoveryA 12-week high-intensity interval training program performed three times per week for a total of 36 sessions. Each session includes a 10-minute warm-up, repeated 30-second running bouts at 90-100% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS), followed by 30 seconds of passive recovery, during which participants remain standing or walk at very low intensity, and an 8-minute cool-down. The number of repetitions and exercise intensity progressively increase throughout the 12-week program. | Behavioural | HIIT with Passive Recovery |
Primary outcome
Maximal aerobic velocity (MAS)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Maximal aerobic velocity assessed using the VAMEVAL progressive, continuous, multistage running test.
Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Estimated VO₂max derived from the final running velocity achieved during the VAMEVAL test.
Six-minute walking distance (6MWD)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Distance covered during the standardized 6-minute walk test.
30-Meter Sprint Performance
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Best time recorded during the 30-meter maximal sprint test using photocell timing gates.
40-meter sprint performance
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Best time recorded during the 40-meter maximal sprint test using photocell timing gates.
Fasting Blood Glucose
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Fasting blood glucose concentration measured after a 12-hour overnight fast.
Total Cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Fasting serum total cholesterol concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
C-Reactive Protein(CRP)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Fasting blood CRP concentration measured as a marker of systemic inflammation.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), measured using the Westergren method with a sedimentation pipette
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration calculated using the Friedewald equation.
Triglycerides
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Fasting serum triglyceride concentration measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method.
4 secondary outcomes
Body mass
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Body mass index (BMI)
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Waist circumference
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention
Body fat percentage
Time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. For confidentiality reasons, all data from this study are available upon request.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
wissal abassi principal investigator
Research Unit "Sport Sciences, Health and Movement"(UR22JS01) High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, 7100 Kef, Tunisia.
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 Interval Training with Active Recovery and High-Intensity Interval Training with Passive Recovery in people with Overweight and Obesity, run by High Institute of Sports and Physical Education of Kef at 1 site in Tunisia.
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 2 inclusion and 2 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Oct 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 Tunisia. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Maximal aerobic velocity (MAS) (time frame: Baseline and after the 12-week intervention). The study lists 12 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 6 Oct 2026.