Effects of different intensities of aerobic training on body composition in obese adolescents

Abstract

This randomized clinical trial aimed to verify the effects of different aerobic training intensities on body composition in obese adolescents submitted to a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention. Participants were 42 obese and pubscent adolescents (BMI = 34.48 ± 3.88 kg/m2; aged 13-17 years). The adolescents were randomized into two experimental groups: high intensity training (HIT) (n=20) – corresponding to the ventilatory threshold I (LVI); and low intensity training (LIT) (n=22) – 20% below LVI. Exercise sessions were isocaloric (350 kcal). All participants received nutritional, psychological and clinical follow-up. Body mass (kg), height (cm) and skinfold thickness (mm) were measured. Body fat (%) was estimated using the Slaughter equation, followed by the calculation of lean mass and fat mass. After the 12-week intervention, we observed a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat in both groups (p<0.001), as well as an increase in lean body mass of the adolescents (p <0.001). In this study, the multidisciplinary intervention was effective to modulate body composition and adiposity among obese adolescents. However, the results seem to be independent of aerobic training intensities.