A HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT (HIITAQ) FOR OBESE ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The increased prevalence of obesity has endangered the health of Brazilian adolescents. Regular physical activity and lifestyle changes are recommended as prevention and treatment. However, there is no consensus on the dose-response of training programs. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training program in aquatic environment (HIITAQ) on physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese teenagers. The sample consisted of 18 adolescents of both sexes, aged 12 to 17 years, diagnosed with obesity. Anthropometric variables, physical fitness, blood glucose, and lipid profile were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of training. The program consisted of two sets of 4-8 repetitions for 30 seconds (85%-95% of maximal heart rate) and 60 seconds of active rest interval. After applying the program, a reduction in body mass index was seen, that is, BMI z-score (p 0.05). The high-intensity training program in aquatic environment was effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors.

Keywords

• Aquatic exercise
• Obesity
• Lipid profile
• Cardiometabolic risk
• Physical fitness