Concurrent and Aerobic Exercise on Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Adults with Obesity: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. Concurrent and aerobic physical exercise are strategies for treating overweight and obesity. Most interventions have utilized cardiovascular or guided execution machines, which often involve high-cost materials not easily accessible to the general population. Objective. Identify the effect of 12 weeks of exercise (concurrent vs. aerobic training) based on the polarized training intensity distribution model on maximal oxygen consumption, muscle strength, and body composition. Materials and methods. A randomized controlled trial with two groups, concurrent vs. aerobic training (n = 28), in overweight and obese individuals. Both groups will perform 36 sessions, 3 times a week, on alternate days. Results. Current evidence has not demonstrated the superiority of concurrent over aerobic exercise on VO2max, muscle strength, and body composition. Additionally, the few randomized studies with concurrent exercise and the methodological limitations in their designs justify the importance of comparing both types of exercise to determine the best strategies for overweight and obese individuals regarding the mentioned outcomes.