Aerobic Interval Training on Fitness and Academic Motivation in Overweight Female Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstrak

Background: Overweight and obesity among young adults are associated with reduced aerobic fitness and academic motivation. Sedentary lifestyles may further exacerbate these problems among university students.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of Aerobic Interval Training (AIT) on aerobic fitness and academic motivation in overweight female university students.
Methods: A single blinded randomized controlled trial included 30 overweight female university students aged 18 to 28 years with a BMI of 23 to 30 kg/m². Participants were recruited using quota sampling and randomly allocated to an AIT group or an education only control group. The AIT group performed training three times weekly for 12 weeks at 70% to 80% HRmax, while controls received physical activity and dietary education. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the Cooper 12-minute test, and academic motivation was measured using the Academic Motivation Scale. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests, with effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals calculated.
Results: The AIT group showed a significant improvement in VO₂max compared with controls, with a mean change of 13.85 ml/kg/min (95% CI: 7.88 to 13.77; Cohen’s d = 2.75; p < 0.001). The control group showed decreased aerobic capacity. Significant improvements were also found in intrinsic motivation toward achievement and learning satisfaction (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Twelve weeks of AIT significantly improved aerobic fitness and academic motivation in overweight female university students.