Abstract

Physical inactivity and declining health-related physical fitness among college students are growing global public health concerns. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve multiple components of health-related physical fitness. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise timing may influence physiological responses and adherence through circadian rhythm regulation; however, its feasibility in college settings, particularly in China, remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an eight-week time-specific HIIT programme among Chinese college students, and to compare outcomes between morning and evening training. In this mixed-methods feasibility randomized controlled trial, approximately 72 students with low physical activity levels and intermediate chronotype will be randomly assigned to a morning HIIT group, evening HIIT group, or control group. Intervention groups will complete three HIIT sessions per week for eight weeks. Primary outcomes include feasibility indicators (recruitment, retention, adherence, and data completeness). Secondary outcomes assess changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and repeated-measures methods, while qualitative interviews will be thematically analysed. Findings will inform the feasibility and design of future large-scale trials and contribute to chrono-exercise research in college populations.

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