What physiological change is commonly associated with high-intensity interval training (HIIT)?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterized by alternating periods of intense exercise with periods of lower-intensity or rest. One of the primary physiological changes associated with HIIT is the increase in oxygen consumption, particularly in the hours following the workout, a phenomenon known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). This increase reflects the body's heightened metabolic demand to restore itself to pre-exercise conditions, including replenishing oxygen stores, clearing metabolic byproducts, and repairing muscles.

Additionally, HIIT can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness, which is also linked to increased oxygen consumption as the body becomes more efficient at delivering oxygen to working muscles during exercise. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a significant adaptive response to HIIT training, emphasizing its effectiveness in improving overall aerobic capacity and metabolic efficiency.