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

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the preliminary evidence supporting the validity of the Running Advisor Billat Training test (RABIT^®) in determining the three intensity domains in male adults with obesity. Methods: Thirteen male adults with obesity completed a graded (GRAD) and a RABIT^® test. The RABIT^® test consisted of three fixed levels of perceived exertion (RPE): (1) 10 min at RPE 13, (2) 5 min at RPE 16, and (3) 3 min at RPE 18. GRAD was composed of 1 min step, increasing speed by 0.5 km/h every minute until volitional exhaustion. Results: At RPE 18, maximal oxygen consumption (V.O₂max), minute ventilation (V._E), maximal heart rate (HRmax), and running speed were not significantly different from the values measured during the GRAD. As well, oxygen consumption (V.O₂), V._E, and HR measured during RPE 16 and RPE 13 of the RABIT^® test were not significantly different from the anaerobic threshold (AnT) and aerobic Threshold (AerT) values measured during GRAD. However, running speed at RPE 16 and RPE 13 of the RABIT^® test was lower by -5.03% (p = 0.041) and -7.00% (p < 0.001), compared to GRAD. Conclusions: The data obtained in our study provide preliminary evidence supporting the ability of the RABIT^® test to estimate maximal exercise parameters, as well as most parameters associated with AerT and AnT. Consequently, the test may be useful for identifying the three training intensity domains and for planning training sessions for adults with obesity.