High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise modality that emphasizes functional,multi-joint movements that can be modified to any fitness level and elicit greater muscle recruitmentthan more traditional exercise. As a relatively new training modality, HIFT is often compared tohigh-intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the two are distinct. HIIT exercise is characterized byrelatively short bursts of repeated vigorous activity, interspersed by periods of rest or low-intensityexercise for recovery, while HIFT utilizes constantly varied functional exercises and various activitydurations that may or may not incorporate rest. Over the last decade, studies evaluating theeffectiveness of HIIT programs have documented improvements in metabolic and cardiorespiratoryadaptations; however, less is known about the effects of HIFT. The purpose of this manuscript is toprovide a working definition of HIFT and review the available literature regarding its use to improvemetabolic and cardiorespiratory adaptations in strength and conditioning programs among variouspopulations. Additionally, we aim to create a definition that is used in future publications to evaluatemore effectively the future impact of this type of training on health and fitness outcomes

Foreyt

This study evaluated the effectiveness of nondieting versus dieting treatments for overweight, bingeeating women. Participants (N = 219) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: diet treatment (DT), nondiet treatment (NDT), or wait-list control (WLC). DT received a balanced-deficit diet reinforced with behavioral strategies. NDT received therapy designed to help participants break out of their dieting cycles. Treatment in both conditions was administered in weekly groups for 6 months, followed by 26 biweekly maintenance meetings, for a total of 18 months of contact. At 6 months posttreatment, DT lost 0.6 kg while NDT gained 1.3 kg. Both treatment groups reduced their Binge Eating Scale scores significantly more than WLC. At 18-month follow-up, both treatment groups experienced weight gain but maintained similar reductions in binge eating. Results indicate that neither intervention was successful in producing short-or long-term weight loss. Therapist biases, which may have affected treatment integrity, and other methodological issues are discussed in relation to the small weight losses achieved. Estimates of binge eating among obese patients range from 20% to 50%, depending on the criteria used and the study population (Bruce & Wilfiey, 1996; It is unclear whether or not binge-eating obese patients experience greater difficulty in treatment programs as a result of these liabilities. Obese binge eaters have been found to respond to weight loss programs similarly to nonbingers, and experience similar or lower attrition rates This research was supported by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Grant DK43109 and by a Minority Scientist Development Award from the American Heart Association and its Puerto Rican Affiliate. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to G. Ken Goodrick, Behavioral Medicine Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 6535 Fannin, Mailstop F-700, Houston, Texas 77030. outcomes Several nondieting therapeutic approaches have been developed for the treatment of obesity The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this nondieting approach in the treatment of obese, binge-eating women, compared with a standardized, behavioral dieting treatment and a control group. Method Participants The mean age of participants was 40 years (SD = 6.3, range = 25 to 50 years). Participants' mean pretreatment weight was 88 kg (SD = 9.6, range = 66 to 110 kg). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 33 kg/m 2 (SD = 3.4), with a range of 26 to 43 kg/m 2. The ethnic-racial composition of the sample was 85% White, 8% Black, and 7% Hispanic. Of the total participants, 62% were married, 21% were single or divorced, and 17% were never married. Twenty-four percent of the participants had a college degree, 65% had some college, and 11% had a high school diploma or less. Sixty-nine percent were employed full time, and 9% part time. Procedure Female participants were recruited from Houston and the surrounding area using print and electronic media to publicize the study. Those 36

Associations between the built environment and physical activity in public housing residents

Background: Environmental factors may influence the particularly low rates of physical activity in African American and low-income adults. This cross-sectional study investigated how measured environmental factors were related to self-reported walking and vigorous physical activity for residents of low-income public housing developments. Methods: Physical activity data from 452 adult residents residing in 12 low-income housing developments were combined with measured environmental data that examined the neighborhood (800 m radius buffer) around each housing development. Aggregated ecological and multilevel regression models were used for analysis. Results: Participants were predominately female (72.8%), African American (79.6%) and had a high school education or more (59.0%). Overall, physical activity rates were low, with only 21% of participants meeting moderate physical activity guidelines. Ecological models showed that fewer incivilities and greater street connectivity predicted 83% of the variance in days walked per week, p < 0.001, with both gender and connectivity predicting days walked per week in the multi-level analysis, p < 0.05. Greater connectivity and fewer physical activity resources predicted 90% of the variance in meeting moderate physical activity guidelines, p < 0.001, and gender and connectivity were the multi-level predictors, p < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. Greater resource accessibility predicted 34% of the variance in days per week of vigorous physical activity in the ecological model, p < 0.05, but the multi-level analysis found no significant predictors. Conclusion: These results indicate that the physical activity of low-income residents of public housing is related to modifiable aspects of the built environment. Individuals with greater access to more physical activity resources with few incivilities, as well as, greater street connectivity, are more likely to be physically active

Obesity and the built environment

Biological, psychological, behavioral, and social factors are unable to fully explain or curtail the obesity epidemic. The goal of this paper is to provide a review of research on the influence of the built environment on obesity. Studies were evaluated with regard to their methods of assessing the environment and obesity, as well as to their effects. Methods used to investigate the relationships between the built environment and obesity were found to be dissimilar across studies and varied from indirect to direct. Levels of assessment between and within studies varied from entire counties down to the individual level. Despite this, obesity was linked with area of residence, resources, television, walkability, land use, sprawl, and level of deprivation, showing promise for research utilizing more consistent assessment methods. Recommendations were made to use more direct methods of assessing the environment which would include specific targeting of institutions thought to vary widely in relation to area characteristics and have a more influential effect on obesity-related behaviors. Interventions should be developed from the individual to the neighborhood level, specifically focusing on the effects of eliminating barriers and making neighborhood level improvements that would facilitate the elimination of obesogenic environments

Body image treatment within an inpatient program for anorexia nervosa: The role of mirror exposure in the desensitization process

Objective: This pilot study examined the role of mirror confrontation in the desensitization process of a body image treatment within an inpatient program for anorexia nervosa. Method: A within-subjects design was used. It compared the impact of two modes of group body image treatment on body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. Both treatments followed a set format of exposure exercises and homework, but the modified treatment also included mirror confrontation as an exposure exercise. Results: Standard treatment did not produce any significant changes. Modified treatment produced a significant and sustained improvement in body dissatisfaction and a significant reduction in body anxiety and avoidance behaviors. Discussion: Mirror confrontation is a more effective form of exposure because of the strong emotional response it elicits. Patients' pronounced emotional response to this exercise allowed easier identification of the affective and behavioral components of body dissatisfaction and more cogent links into a developmental body image timeline

Foreyt JP. Lifestyle treatments in randomized clinical trials of pharmacotherapies for obesity. Obes Res 2001; 9: 552–563

Objective: This meta-analysis evaluated the types of lifestyle treatments used in published obesity drug studies and assessed their contribution to weight losses associated with pharmacological interventions. Research Methods and Procedures: Randomized, placebocontrolled, double-blind clinical trials of anti-obesity agents that are/were Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of obesity (both prescription and over-thecounter), and drugs that are Food and Drug Administrationapproved and are used off-label for obesity were included. Studies were located by computer searches of databases (e.g., Medline, PsychInfo) and reviewing tables of content/ reference sections of journals, abstracts, previous reviews, past empirical studies, relevant book chapters, and recent issues of journals that regularly publish obesity research. In addition, a number of individuals who regularly publish in the obesity literature were asked to provide personal lists of obesity-drug studies. Based on the above criteria, a total of 108 randomized clinical trials were located. Results: Balanced-deficit diets, low-calorie diets, and selfmonitoring were the most used lifestyle treatments in published obesity studies. They were incorporated into 40.7%, 25%, and 23.1% of pharmacotherapy studies, respectively. Physical activity and other behavioral or psychotherapeutic interventions rarely were used. A substantial portion of weight loss experienced by patients was attributable to both &quot;placebo effects&quot; and to the lifestyle treatments. Discussion: Obesity-pharmacotherapy trials do not use lifestyle treatments with the frequency expected based on the official positions of most professional organizations concerned with the comprehensive management of obesity

High-intensity Fitness Training Among a National Sample of Male Career Firefighters

Obesity and fitness have been identified as key health concerns among USA firefighters yet little is known about the current habits related to exercise and diet. In particular, high-intensity training (HIT) has gained increasing popularity among this population but limited quantitative data are available about how often it is used and the relationship between HIT and other outcomes. Using survey methodology, the current study evaluated self-reported HIT and diet practice among 625 male firefighters. Almost one-third (32.3%) of participants reported engaging in HIT. Body composition, as measured by waist circumference and percentage body fat, was significantly related to HIT training, with HIT participants being approximately half as likely to be classified as obese using body fat [odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.78] or waist circumference (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.37–0.98). Those who engaged in HIT were more than twice as likely as those who did not (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.42–3.55) to meet fitness recommendations. Findings highlight directions for future prevention and intervention efforts