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Updated: May 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Impact of Different Low-Volume Concurrent Training Regimens on Cardiometabolic Health, Inflammation, and Fitness in
Dejan Reljic1,2,3, Hans Joachim Herrmann1,2,3, Markus Friedrich Neurath1,3
1Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
Background/Objectives:
Evidence supports the benefits of concurrent training (CT), which combines endurance and resistance exercises, for enhancing health and physical fitness. Recently, low-volume, time-efficient exercise approaches such as low-volume high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT), whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), and single-set resistance training (1-RT) have gained popularity for their feasibility and efficacy in improving various health outcomes. This study investigated the effects of low-volume CT, focusing on (1) whether exercise order affects cardiometabolic health, inflammation, and fitness adaptations and (2) which combination, LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS or LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT, yields better results.
Methods:
Ninety-three obese metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients undergoing caloric restriction were randomly assigned to four groups performing the different low-volume CT protocols over 12 weeks. Outcomes included cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and fitness parameters.
Results:
In both combinations, no significant differences were found regarding exercise order. However, the pooled LOW-HIIT and 1-RT group achieved superior improvements in blood pressure, blood lipids, inflammation markers (CRP, hsCRP), the MetS severity score, and overall fitness compared to the LOW-HIIT and WB-EMS combination. Compared to previous studies using these modalities individually, LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT appeared to further reduce inflammation, whereas LOW-HIIT combined with WB-EMS was less effective for cardiometabolic health, potentially due to interference effects between modalities.
Conclusions:
While LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS appears to be a viable option for individuals unable to perform traditional resistance training, the findings suggest prioritizing LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT to maximize health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of tailored exercise prescriptions and the need for further research into optimizing CT protocols for diverse populations.
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