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Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(04): 282-291
DOI: 10.1055/a-2123-0851
Training & Testing

Effects of 24-week Polarized Training vs. Threshold Training in Obese Male Adults

Mattia D’Alleva 
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
2   School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
,
Nicola Giovanelli 
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
2   School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
,
Francesco Graniero
3   Physical Exercise Prescription Center, Azienda sanitaria universitaria Friuli Centrale, Gemona del Friuli, Italy
,
Veronique Louise Billat
4   STAPS, Universite d’Evry-Val-d’Essonne, Evry, France
,
Federica Fiori
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
,
Michela Marinoni
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
,
Maria Parpinel
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
,
Stefano Lazzer
1   Deparment of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
2   School of Sport Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Abstract

The combination of high volume of moderate-intensity continuous training with a low volume of high-intensity interval training improved body composition and physical capacities in individuals with obesity. However, polarized training (POL) has never been used in adult men with obesity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in body composition and physical capacities induced by a 24-week POL or threshold (THR) program in obese male adults. Twenty male patients (mean age 39.8±6.3 yrs; mean body mass index [BMI] 31.6±2.7 kg∙m−2) participated in this study (n: 10 POL, n: 10 THR). After 24-week, body mass (BM) and fat mass (FM) decreased by -3.20±3.10 kg (P<0.05) and -3.80±2.80 kg (P<0.05), respectively, similarly in both groups. Maximal oxygen uptake (  ̇VO2max) and   ̇VO2 at respiratory compensation point (RCP) increased in the POL group (+8.5±12.2 and+9.0±17.0%, P<0.05) and in the THR group (+4.24±8.64 and+4.0±6.70%, P<0.05), as well   ̇VO2 at gas exchange threshold (GET) increased similarly in both groups (+12.8±12.0%, P<0.05). POL and THR were equally effective in improving body composition and physical capacities in obese subjects. Future studies are needed to determine whether adherence to the training program can be improved by adding a running competition compared with a group without competition at the end of the training program.

Key words

body composition - endurance - obesity - polarized training - threshold training

Supplementary material



Publication History

Received: 25 March 2023

Accepted: 04 July 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 July 2023

Article published online:
24 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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