Introduction
stroke, depression, anxiety, sleep problems
STROKE, TYPE 2 DIABETES, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASES
Physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous health benefits including the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems [Research indicates that vigorous intensity PA may be superior to moderate intensity PA for reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [Behavioral interventions are efficacious for increasing PA among low-active and sedentary adults [Recent research has examined the efficacy of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a strategy to address the limitations of previous traditional PA studies [A majority of HIIT studies have been conducted in a laboratory, which does not address long-term adherence to PA nor do lab-based studies generalize to real world settings [The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week home-based High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program among low-active individuals relative to a wait-list control arm. Self-Determination Theory informed the intervention for this study, which addressed limitations of the previous home-based studies by including muscle strengthening exercises and a motivational component. As outlined by Bowen et al., [Regarding preliminary efficacy, we hypothesized that participants randomized to the HIIT intervention would exhibit more moderate to vigorous intensity (MVPA) and vigorous intensity PA minutes per week at 6 and 12 weeks than those randomized to the wait-list control. We also hypothesized that the HIIT intervention group would report greater increases in PA-related psychosocial variables including social support, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and outcome expectations than the wait-list control arm. Affective responses to the exercise sessions were also examined.