A meta-analysis of the effects of high-intensity interval training on C-reactive protein in children with obesity

To investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on improving the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in children with obesity. Identify exercise trials with control groups (CON) and/or moderate-intensity training (MIT). A total of 9 studies involving 521 participants were included. The results showed that HIT improved CRP (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.54 to -0.18, <i>p</i> < 0.01) when compared to CON and had similar improvement on CRP when compared to MIT (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -1.37 to 0.67; <i>p</i> > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that intervention duration, work and rest ratio, and work time were the significant moderators for the effect of HIT on CRP. Children with obesity are encouraged to participate in a work-to-rest ratio ≥1, work time >30 s, duration >12 weeks of HIT to reduce the CRP level.