Objective. The aim of this study was to determine which protocol of exercise is the most effective to improve the cardiovascular fitness in overweight and obese men following a weight loss program (WLP).
Methods. Seventy-eight overweight (W; n = 31; body mass index 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (O; n = 47; body mass index 30-34.9 kg/m2) males, aged 18-50 years, performed a modified Bruce protocol before (pre) and after (post) a WLP of 24 weeks. Subjects were randomized into three training groups (strength, S; endurance, E; or concurrent strength and endurance, SE; training frequency 3 times/week) or physical activity recommendations group (PA). All of them in combination with a 25-30% caloric restriction diet. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used.
Results. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), VO2 at the intensity of the aerobic threshold (VO2AT) and VO2 at the intensity of the anaerobic threshold (VO2AnT) increased significantly in overweight and obese participants (Pre and post values in L.min-1, respectively; VO2max: W = 3.2 ± 0.6 vs 3.7 ± 0.5; O = 3.6 ± 0.6 vs 3.8 ± 0.6; VO2AT: W = 1.3 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.3; O = 1.6 ± 0.2 vs 1.9 ± 0.3; VO2AnT: W = 2.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.1 ± 0.7; O = 2.9 ± 0.6 vs 3.2 ± 0.5). Interaction between time (before and after the intervention) and classification of BMI (overweight and obese) was found only for VO2max [F (1,1) = 9.355, p = 0.003]. There was an interaction between time, BMI classification and intervention groups only for the VO2AT [F (1,1,3) = 4.178, p = 0.009], which the largest increments occurred for PA group in overweight participants and SE group in obese participants.
Conclusion. Our results show that all methods could improve the cardiovascular fitness, including the recommendations of physical activity. The overweight group obtained a greater improvement than the obese group.
Corresponding author. eliane.castro@gmail.com
