Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Performance Adaptations to High-Intensity Interval Training: Are There Differences Between Men and Women? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses

It is important to consider biological sex as a variable that might influence exercise adaptation in order to optimize exercise prescription for men and women. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of biological sex on maximal oxygen uptake ( V̇ O2max) and performance outcomes after high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A systematic search and review was conducted by two independent reviewers up to 8 September 2022 using MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Sports Medicine Education Index in ProQuest. Trials including healthy adults were included if they presented data for or compared male and female V̇ O2max or performance outcomes in response to HIIT. Performance outcomes included measures of exercise performance and concurrently measured physiological adaptations. Where appropriate, a random-effects, pre-post meta-analysis was undertaken. Data were sub-grouped for men and women, baseline training level, mean age, intervention type, and intervention length. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi2, Cochran’s Q, and Higgins I2 and sensitivity analyses, where required. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and publication bias was assessed through visual inspection of funnel plots. Thirty-three references from 28 trials were included in the review (n = 965; 462 women and 503 men). Meta-analyses included 19 studies for V̇ O2max, eight for peak power output from V̇ O2max testing (PPO), and five for threshold power (powerAT). Meta-analyses revealed similar increases in V̇ O2max in women (g = 0.57; 95 V̇ O2max were Δ 0.32 L·min−1 and 3.50 mL·kg−1·min−1 in men, versus Δ 0.20 L·min−1 and 3.34 mL·kg−1·min−1 for women. No significant sex differences were present for the primary analysis of any outcome. After sub-grouping, significant differences were present for PPO where the effect size was higher for well-trained women (g = 0.37) compared with well-trained men (g = 0.17), and for V̇ O2max where interventions with a duration of 4 weeks or less had significantly smaller effect sizes compared with those longer than 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Unweighted mean percentage change in V̇ O2max, PPO, and powerAT across studies was 11.16 ± 7.39 V̇ O2max and PPO (I2, range: 62.06–78.80 V̇ O2max or powerAT, but the meta-analysis of PPO could have benefitted from additional study data to strengthen results. The overlap in age categories and sensitivity of the analysis limits the accuracy of the results of the sub-grouping by age. Findings indicated no sex-specific differences for any fitness or performance outcomes. Baseline training status and intervention length accounted for most variability in outcomes. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021272615.