Tabata-style functional exercise increases resting and postprandial fat oxidation but does not reduce triglyceride concentrations

What is the central question of this study? What are the metabolic impacts of high intensity functional Tabata exercise? What is the main finding and its importance? Tabata exercise with high intensity functional movements causes increases in fasted and postprandial fat oxidation the day after exercise without altering postprandial triglyceride concentrations. These results support the usage of a Tabata-style high intensity functional exercise to improve postprandial fat oxidation.

We evaluated the effect of a high fat meal with and without prior high intensity functional exercise executed in a Tabata-style interval pattern on resting and postprandial substrate oxidation, as well as postprandial blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations. Eleven healthy males completed two trials (Tabata exercise (TE) and non-exercise control (CON)) in random order separated by 7 days. A two-day protocol was used in which TE or CON was performed on the first day and a high fat meal was administered ∼13 h later the following morning. Power output from the TE session was quantified using a kinematic approach by calculating external work performed per unit time for each of the four exercises (rowing, dumbbell thrusters, kettlebell swings and burpees). For the meal challenge, respiratory gases and blood samples were taken fasted and at 1, 2 and 3 h postprandial. Fat oxidation was significantly higher after TE compared to CON at all time points (P < 0.05). Carbohydrate oxidation was significantly lower after TE compared to CON at 1 h postprandial (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of TE on fasting or postprandial glucose or triglyceride concentrations. Functional exercises performed in a high intensity TE pattern enhance fasting and postprandial fat oxidation on the following day with minimal influence on blood triglycerides or glucose levels.