High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training and Low-to-Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training in Upper Extremity Muscles

High-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) has emerged as a time-efficient alternative to conventional resistance training; however, evidence regarding upper-extremity-focused HIIRT and its multidimensional effects remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of upper-extremity HIIRT and low-to-moderate-intensity resistance training (LMRT) on muscle strength, functional capacity, cognition, mental health, and health-related quality of life in healthy young adults. Forty-nine healthy young adults aged 18-25 years will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: HIIRT, LMRT, or a control group. Participants in the intervention groups will complete supervised upper-extremity resistance training sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group will receive no structured exercise intervention. Outcome measures will include isotonic upper-extremity muscle strength, the Six-Minute Walk Test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, the Dispositional Flow Scale-2, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey. The study is designed to evaluate the effects of the two resistance training protocols on physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in healthy young adults.