Community‐Based High‐Intensity Multimodal Training: A Mixed‐Method Evaluation of a Randomised Control Trial

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and perceptual outcomes of a 7-week High-Intensity Multimodal Training (HIMT) intervention and an active matched control (Inter-Session Concurrent Training [ISCT]) in recreationally active adults across three community sites. This study highlights challenges of conducting experimental research in applied settings in collaboration with industry partners and provides recommendations for HIMT research and practice. This study used a mixed-methods convergent design to evaluate a two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial in recreationally active adults. The HIMT group completed 4 × 45-min sessions/week combining aerobic and resistance exercise in a circuit format. The ISCT group completed 2 × 45-min resistance circuit sessions/week and 2 × 45-min aerobic circuit sessions/week. Data were collected at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 7), and 4 weeks follow-up (Week 11) across three trial sites between June 2024 and November 2024. 80 participants (49 females, 31 males) completed baseline testing (138% of target). One participant withdrew post-baseline, with 79 randomised to HIMT (n = 41) or ISCT (n = 38). Post-testing was completed by 75 participants and follow-up by 73 participants. Session attendance was 91.4%, with participants completing 3.52 ± 0.52 sessions/week. Mean session rating of perceived exertion was 7.47 ± 1.40 (CR-10). The programme was perceived as tolerable and enjoyable. HIMT and ISCT for recreationally active adults within community-based settings is feasible and acceptable. Exercise professionals may consider using HIMT and ISCT to engage recreationally active adults in structured exercise, promoting preventative health and positive lifestyle behaviours. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This Randomised Controlled Trial was pre-registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12624000556549, Protocol: https://osf.io/mxy93/, ETH24-9364.