Supramaximal Exercise Training Enhances several Health-Related Outcomes in Obese Adults

Abstract

Studying the effects of exercise training on health- and performance-related outcomes may be the best approach to describing its beneficial effects among obese individuals. PURPOSE: The present study evaluates the effects of six weeks of supramaximal exercise training (SET) on performance variables and metabolic changes in sedentary obese adults. METHODS: Twenty-four obese adults were randomized into a non-trained (NT) [n=12; body mass index (BMI)=33(3)] and SET group [n=12; BMI=(33(2)]. After baseline metabolic, anthropometric, and fitness measurements, the participants completed a 6-week SET intervention comprising 18 sessions of 6 repeats of 6-second supramaximal sprints on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer, with 2-minute recovery between each repetition. Metabolic, anthropometric, and fitness assessments were repeated post-intervention. RESULTS: Neither anthropometrics nor maximal oxygen uptake differed between the groups after 6 weeks of SET. For SET, fasting glucose (4.64(0.15) vs 4.32(0.22) mmol/l; p<0.01), insulin (23.2(4.6) vs 13.8(3.3) μmol/ml; p<0.01), HOMA-IR (4.78(1.2) vs 2.65(1.5); p<0.01), and systolic blood pressure (127(3) vs 120(3) mmHg; p<0.01) were significantly lower 24-hours post-intervention than at baseline and for the NT group, and these changes remained significant at 72-hours and two-weeks post-intervention (p<0.01, respectively). Interestingly, NFEA (0.62(0.09) vs 0.71(0.11) mmol/l; p<0.01) and resting fat oxidation rate (57(11) vs 63(4) %; p<0.01) increased significantly from baseline 24-hours post-intervention in the SET group and decreased significantly from baseline at 72-hours (p<0.01, respectively) and two-weeks post-intervention (p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no changes in the participants’ anthropometric and aerobic fitness variables, six weeks of SET improved a number of metabolic and vascular risk factors in obese, sedentary adults, highlighting the potential of SET to provide an alternative exercise model for the improvement of metabolic health in this population.