Last updated July 22, 2026
Key finding
Mean change in hepatic steatosis with Exercise was -1.5% (5) compared with 0.7% (4.6) with Control (p=0.017).
This study evaluated the effects of combined high-intensity interval training and progressive resistance training on overweight/obese adults, finding significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and fitness metrics.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Extended (5–20+ y)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effects of combined high-intensity interval training and progressive resistance training on overweight/obese adults, finding significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and fitness metrics.
This study highlights the potential of combined high-intensity interval and resistance training as an effective strategy for improving liver health and physical fitness in overweight and obese individuals. Given the rising prevalence of obesity-related conditions, these findings underscore the importance of integrating exercise into weight management programs.
Limited sample size may affect generalizability. Short duration of the intervention may not capture long-term effects. Unsupervised stretching may not provide a valid control for exercise.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Callum B, Samantha LH, Xiaoyu W, et al. Effects of Low-Volume Combined High-Intensity Interval Training and Progressive Resistance Training in Overweight/Obese Adults. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2024;10(4):e001878. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001878
Hepatic steatosis decreased by -1.5% in the exercise group (p=0.017).
Cardiorespiratory fitness increased by 2.9 mL/kg/min in the exercise group (p=0.079).
Muscular strength improved significantly in the exercise group (361 N, p<0.001).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Resistance training, Telehealth intervention and Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment, Change in physical fitness after 12 weeks, Hepatic Steatosis (Sensitivity Analysis), and 4 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Resistance training
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
7
Evidence pairs
267
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Resistance training → Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment
Resistance training → Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment
Resistance training → Change in physical fitness after 12 weeks
Resistance training → Change in physical fitness after 12 weeks
Resistance training → Hepatic Steatosis (Sensitivity Analysis)
Resistance training → Hepatic Steatosis (Sensitivity Analysis)
Resistance training → Resolution of Hepatic Steatosis
Resistance training → Resolution of Hepatic Steatosis
Resistance training → Time to achieve glycaemic control with static protocol
Resistance training → Time to achieve glycaemic control with static protocol
Telehealth intervention → Hepatic Steatosis (Control)
Telehealth intervention → Hepatic Steatosis (Control)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Resistance training and Muscular Strength, Resistance training and Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Muscular Strength
Measures Muscular Strength as a key outcome.
All studies on Resistance training
Contributes to Resistance training evidence base.
All studies measuring Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment
Measures Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment as a key outcome.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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3 results
1 results
3 results
3 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Resistance training appears to improve Muscular strength.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Muscular strength
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 76.3 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistance training appears to improve Change in physical fitness after 12 weeks.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in physical fitness after 12 weeks
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistance training appears to improve Hepatic Steatosis (Sensitivity Analysis).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Hepatic Steatosis (Sensitivity Analysis)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Resistance training for Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in body composition after 12 weeks of treatment
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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