Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training on Obese Female with Early Osteoarthritis: A Quasi-Experimental Design

M. Saravanan; Arunachalam Ramachandran; Tina G Chauhan; V. Kiran; G Nusarath Jaha; Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthi

doi:10.15621/ijphy/2025/v12i1s/1611

Authors

M. Saravanan Ph.D. Scholar, Madhav University, Rajasthan, India. Email: saran.surya1978@gmail.com
Arunachalam Ramachandran Professor, Madhav University, Rajasthan, India. Email: Arunachalamphysio@gmail.com
Tina G Chauhan Professor, Udaipur Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajasthan, India. Email: tinachauhan360hcp@gmail.com
V. Kiran Professor, College of Physiotherapy, The Apollo University, Chittoor, India. Email: kiran_v@aimsrchittoor.edu.in
G Nusarath Jaha Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy, The Apollo University, Chittoor, India. Email: luckyjaha84@gmail.com
Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthi Faculty of Health and Life Science, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Email: rajkumarhari@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease, is exacerbated by obesity. High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) offers potential benefits for obese individuals with OA by improving fitness while reducing joint impact.
Methods: This study evaluated the effects of an 8-week HIIT program on Body Mass Index (BMI), pain levels, functional mobility, and lipid profiles in obese females (40-60 years) with early-stage OA. Participants underwent pre- and postintervention assessments using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and lipid profile analysis.
Results: Post-intervention, participants experienced significant improvements in pain levels (VAS scores, p≤0.005) and functional mobility (TUG test, p≤0.005). However, lipid profiles showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: HIIT demonstrates promise in reducing pain and enhancing mobility among obese females with early stage OA, though its effects on other health risks require further investigation.