Rationale and methods of the MOVI-HIIT! cluster-randomized controlled trial: an avatar-guided virtual platform for classroom activity breaks and its impact on cognition, adiposity, and fitness in preschoolers

Category	Detail
Condition	Sedentary behavior and low physical activity in preschool children
Key Mechanisms	Classroom-based active breaks (ABs) using high-intensity interval training (HIIT) delivered via a gamified digital platform
Target Population	Preschool children aged 4–6 years
Care Setting	Educational settings (schools)

MOVI-HIIT is the first intervention integrating HIIT-based ABs with a gamified digital platform for preschoolers.
The trial involves 522 children across nine schools in Ciudad Real, Spain.
Primary outcomes include body composition, physical fitness, and executive function.
Secondary outcomes encompass physical activity, sleep quality, blood pressure, and health-related quality of life.
A qualitative study will assess teachers' perceptions of the program's implementation.

Assess baseline physical activity levels and sedentary behavior in preschool children.

Implement classroom-based HIIT-inspired active breaks to enhance physical activity and cognitive function.

Evaluate changes in body composition, physical fitness, and cognitive outcomes post-intervention.

Monitor for potential injuries related to high-intensity activities in young children.

Preschool children aged 4–6 years in educational settings.

Utilize gamified digital platforms to deliver structured HIIT-based active breaks effectively.

Incorporate active breaks into daily classroom routines to reduce sedentary time.
Engage teachers in the implementation process to address barriers and facilitators.

Clinical Scorecard: Design and Justification of the MOVI-HIIT! Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial