Benefits of different intensity of aerobic exercise in modulating body composition among obese young adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Health and quality of life outcomes. 2017;15(1):168
Full text from:

Plain language summary

Background: Based on data from the three of the Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan (NAHSIT), which occurred in 1993–1966, 2005– 2008, and 2013–2014, it was noted that the prevalence of adult obesity had drastically increased from 11.8% to 17.9% to 22.1%, in recent years. Thus, considering the public health impact, and that weight loss is effective for reducing chronic disease risk a study was done on young adult Taiwanese students to measure the impact of aerobic exercise on weight loss. Aims & objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate & compare the effects of different intensities of aerobic exercise and energy expenditure on different anthropometric indices in obese Taiwanese students. Method: In a 12 week exercise programme after initial screening, 48 obese Taiwanese students were randomly assigned into four different aerobic intensity groups. All participants’ demographic data, anthropometric data, anthropometric measurement, blood biochemical parameters and health-related physical fitness components between baseline and week 12 were analysed and compared using a Statistical Analysis System (SAS).  Result & conclusion: The study showed that difference in exercise intensities resulted in significant changes in body weight, waist circumference(WC), weight to hip ratio(WHR), and weight to height ratio( WHtR ) amongst the participants of high intensity training group (HITG), medium intensity training group (MITG) and Low intensity training group (LITG). Though, HITG with higher energy expenditure was more effective in improving body composition in comparison to (LITG), even when the diet was not controlled. Thus, intensity may be crucial for modulating abdominal fat and sequentially reducing WC, WHR, and WHtR.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of present study was to compare the effects of different aerobic exercise intensities and energy expenditures on the body composition of sedentary obese college students in Taiwan. METHODS Forty-eight obese participants [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2, age 18-26 years] were randomized into four equal groups (n = 12): light-intensity training group (LITG), 40%-50% heart rate reserve (HRR); middle-intensity training group (MITG), 50%-70% HRR; high-intensity training group (HITG), 70%-80% HRR; and control group (CG). The aerobic exercise training program was conducted for 60 min per day on a treadmill 3 days per week for 12 weeks. All participant anthropometric data, blood biochemical parameters, and health-related physical fitness components were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS At baseline, the anthropometric indices did not differ significantly among the four groups (p > 0.05). After 12-week exercise intervention, the HITG and MITG had significantly more changes in body weight, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) than the LITG. The changes in BMI and body fat percentage differed among all four groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A 12-week high-intensity exercise intervention with high energy expenditure can considerably reduce body weight, body fat, WC, WHR, and WHtR, whereas a light-intensity exercise intervention can significantly reduce body weight and body fat. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials TPECTR09831410900 , registered on 24th Dec 2009.

Lifestyle medicine

Fundamental Clinical Imbalances : Immune and inflammation ; Structural
Patient Centred Factors : Triggers/Aerobic exercise
Environmental Inputs : Diet ; Physical exercise
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Nutrition ; Exercise and movement
Functional Laboratory Testing : Blood

Methodological quality

Allocation concealment : No

Metadata