The Effect of Tabata Interval Training on Body Composition, Salivary Cortisol, and Alpha Amylase in Young Girls with Different Body Mass Indexes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background

Young overweight sedentary females are at increased risk of dysregulation of stress-regulating systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) and the sympatho-adrenomedullary system (SAM). High-intensity interval training (HIIT), particularly the Tabata protocol, may improve body composition and modulate stress-related biomarkers, but evidence in individuals with different body compositions remains limited. This study compared the effects of an 8-week Tabata-based HIIT program on body composition, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase in overweight and normal-weight female students. Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 52 female students (20–25 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: training–normal weight, training–overweight, control–normal weight, and control–overweight. Training groups performed Tabata interval sessions three times per week for eight weeks, while controls continued usual physical activity. Body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage were assessed using an InBody 370 device. Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha‑amylase were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using a two‑way repeated‑measures ANOVA (2 × 4 RM‑ANOVA) with Bonferroni post‑hoc tests.