e-Bulletin July 2026
IN THE MEDIA |
Once-weekly Interval Training Works as Well as Three Sessions Per Week
Key Findings from a Randomised Controlled Trial
A recent study from our School reveals that brisk interval walking performed once a week can significantly improve body fat reduction and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with central obesity, comparable to exercising three times a week – the traditional recommendation for exercise frequency.
Led by Professor Parco Siu, our Professor and Head of the Division of Kinesiology, the research team conducted a trial involving 315 overweight Chinese adults with central obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to once-weekly interval training, thrice-weekly interval training, or a control group.
Results showed that at 16 weeks, both interval training groups similarly reduced excess adiposity (body fat mass, fat percentage and waist circumference) and improved cardiorespiratory fitness compared to the control group.
“For many adults with central obesity who struggle to balance work, study, family and other commitments, time constraints are a primary barrier to exercising multiple days per week,” said Professor Siu.
“Instead of relying solely on high-frequency exercise prescriptions, once-weekly interval training can be considered a feasible and effective alternative,” he added.
The findings have now been published in Nature Communications. Click here to view the publication.
