Effects of Training on Running Cost and Aerobic Capacity in Individuals with Obesity

This study investigated running cost (C_Run), peak oxygen consumption (V̇ O_2peak), and ventilatory threshold (VT₁) responses to exercise programs for individuals with obesity. Ninety-four individuals (38.2±7.7 years; 33.4±2.9 kg/m²) were assigned into strength (n=24), endurance (n=26), combined (n=22), and physical activity (control, n=22) groups for 22 weeks, plus diet recommendation. The V̇ O_2peak, VT₁, and C_Run were assessed through a maximal incremental step test. The change of V̇ O_2peak in combined (9.9%) differed from the other groups, with lower values in women than men (0.7% vs. 6.2%). The VT₁ change in combined (16.4%) differed from the strength (4.9%) and physical activity (1.2%) groups, with the change in endurance (12.7%) also being higher than the physical activity group. Only men in the combined group increased absolute V̇ O_2peak, while both sexes increased VT₁ in the endurance and combined groups. No effects for groups and sex were significant for C_Run in moderate (1) or high-intensity (>VT₁) running zones, despite C_Run changes in 1 and >VT₁ zones correlated with the alterations of V̇ O_2peak and VT₁ (r²=0.29-0.59). Therefore, moderate aerobic exercise stimulus is suitable for VT₁ improvement in individuals with obesity, with the increase in C_Run associated to the chances of increasing V̇ O_2peak in men and when combining strength with aerobic exercises.