Assessing Training Zones in Adult Men with Obesity: A New Field Test

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Assessing exercise intensity is crucial for effective training, especially in adults with obesity.
• The Running Advisor Billat Training (RABIT®) test is a novel tool requiring validation for this population.
• Understanding training intensity domains aids in optimizing exercise prescription for health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary validity of the RABIT® test in determining three exercise intensity domains.
• To compare physiological responses during the RABIT® test with a graded exercise test in male adults with obesity.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen male adults with obesity underwent both a graded (GRAD) exercise test and the RABIT® test.
• The RABIT® test involved three fixed levels of perceived exertion (RPE 13, 16, and 18).
• GRAD involved incremental speed increases until volitional exhaustion.

Main Results:

• Maximal oxygen consumption, ventilation, heart rate, and running speed at RPE 18 on RABIT® did not differ significantly from GRAD.
• Oxygen consumption, ventilation, and heart rate at RPE 13 and 16 on RABIT® aligned with aerobic and anaerobic threshold values from GRAD.
• Running speed at RPE 13 and 16 was significantly lower during RABIT® compared to GRAD.

Conclusions:

• The RABIT® test demonstrates preliminary validity for estimating maximal exercise parameters in adults with obesity.
• The test appears useful for identifying aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, and maximal intensity domains.
• RABIT® may serve as a practical tool for planning training sessions in this population.