Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
06:28
A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
Published on: April 28, 2023
The effect of abdominal exercise on abdominal fat
Sachin S Vispute1, John D Smith, James D LeCheminant
1Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA. svispute@uic.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 2, 2011
Summary
Six weeks of abdominal exercises did not reduce abdominal fat or body weight. However, this training program significantly improved abdominal muscular endurance in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Health
Background:
- Abdominal fat accumulation is a health concern.
- Targeted abdominal exercises are often promoted for fat loss.
- Evidence on the efficacy of isolated abdominal exercises for fat reduction is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 6-week abdominal exercise program on abdominal fat and body composition.
- To assess changes in anthropometric measurements and muscular endurance.
- To determine if targeted abdominal training alone can reduce subcutaneous abdominal fat.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four healthy, sedentary adults (18-40 years) were randomized into an abdominal exercise group (AG) or a control group (CG).
- The AG performed 7 abdominal exercises, 2 sets of 10 repetitions, 5 days/week for 6 weeks.
- Body composition, anthropometrics, and abdominal muscular endurance were measured pre- and post-intervention, with an isocaloric diet maintained.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in body weight, body fat percentage, android fat percentage, android fat, abdominal circumference, or skinfold measurements between the groups.
- The abdominal exercise group showed a significantly higher number of curl-up repetitions post-intervention compared to the control group.
- Abdominal exercise training alone did not lead to a reduction in abdominal subcutaneous fat or other body composition measures.
Conclusions:
- Six weeks of isolated abdominal exercise training is insufficient to reduce abdominal fat or alter body composition in healthy adults.
- Abdominal exercise training significantly enhances abdominal muscular endurance.
- Future research should explore combined exercise modalities or longer durations for abdominal fat reduction.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:21Muscles of the Abdomen
The abdominal wall encircles the abdominal cavity, providing flexible protection and shielding the internal organs from harm. It is bordered at the top by the xiphoid process and costal margins, at the back by the vertebral column, and at the bottom by the pelvic bones and inguinal ligament. The abdominal wall is divided into two regions — the anterolateral and posterior regions.
Anterolateral Region
The anterolateral region comprises five paired muscles classified into the lateral and anterior...
Anterolateral Region
The anterolateral region comprises five paired muscles classified into the lateral and anterior...
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
01:25Abdominal Aorta
Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:19Abdominal Regions and Quadrants
To promote clear communication, for instance, about the location of a patient's abdominal pain or a suspicious mass, anatomists and clinicians typically use imaginary lines to categorize the abdominopelvic cavity into either four quadrants or nine regions to identify organs in the cavity.
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...
The simpler quadrants approach, which is more commonly used in medicine, subdivides the cavity with one horizontal and one vertical line that intersects at the patient's umbilicus (navel). The four quadrants...