<b> Effects of different intensities of aerobic training on body composition in obese adolescents</b>

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.

Keywords

• Aerobic training
• Body composition
• Obesity.