Continuous exercise but not high intensity interval training improves fat distribution in overweight adults
Shelley E Keating1, Elizabeth A Machan1, Helen T O'Connor2
1Discipline of Exercise and Sports Science, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia.
Journal of Obesity
|March 27, 2014
Summary
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous aerobic exercise (CONT) significantly improved fitness in inactive, overweight adults. However, CONT was more effective than HIIT for reducing body fat levels.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Health
Background:
- Overweight and inactivity are significant public health concerns.
- Effective exercise interventions are needed to improve body composition and fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus continuous aerobic exercise (CONT) and placebo (PLA) on body composition.
- To assess changes in work capacity and body fat distribution.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 38 inactive, overweight adults.
- 12-week intervention period.
- Measurements included work capacity and body composition via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Main Results:
- Both HIIT and CONT significantly increased work capacity compared to PLA.
- CONT led to significant reductions in trunk fat and android fat percentage.
- HIIT did not significantly reduce trunk or android fat percentage.
Conclusions:
- HIIT is a time-efficient strategy for improving fitness comparable to CONT in overweight adults.
- CONT demonstrates superior benefits for reducing body fat compared to HIIT in this population.
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