Effect of High Intensity Aerobic & Resistance Interval Training on Body Composition, Visceral Adiposity and Myocardial Function in Overweight and Obese Adults

The obesity epidemic, predisposing to cardio-metabolic diseases, has increased two-folds over the last decade with a global alarming cost of obesity-associated illnesses, thus representing a grave peril for the survival of public health care systems. It is need of the time to develop evidence-based, time-efficient and cost-effective strategies to prevent and manage obesity. This study would compare the effects of 2 types of exercise regimes providing data on their beneficial effects on body composition and myocardial function along with reducing the central adiposity. This study may also be used as a novel intervention strategy for primary prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases by modification of a major risk factor i.e. obesity in Pakistani population, consequently reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality from cardiometabolic diseases.

Obesity is one of the major public health issues of this century. Over the last decade, the prevalence of obesity has increased globally, making it an emerging epidemic and threatening the survival of health care systems. Obesity has long been recognized as the major factor predisposing to cardio-metabolic diseases.The positive role of structured exercise for reducing the mortality and morbidity rates of obese and sedentary adults is well established. But exercise engagement is seen to be quite low in obese adults mainly due to lack of time and non-adherence to exercise training programs. Current trends are now focusing towards another type of exercise regime known as high intensity interval training (HIIT), which is composed of repetitive short to long (\< 45 sec to 4 min) bouts of high intensity exercise alternating with rest or recovery periods. Resistance training can also stimulate changes in body composition indices as well as maintain the reduced fat mass after training. Thus resistance exercises are recommended as an adjunct for obesity management by reduction in risk factors. Hence, this study is designed to determine the effects of high intensity interval training in combination with resistance exercises verses moderate intensity continuous training on multiple outcome variables including body composition parameters, visceral adiposity, lipid profile and myocardial function in overweight and obese adult population of Pakistan. Afte r obtaining written informed consent from paricipants, they will be screened using 2020 PAR-Q plus and randomly allocated to one of the 2 groups. A self-structured demographic sheet would be employed for recording demographics and required data including the findings of lab investigations. Then participants will be required to undergo all the physical assessment measures such as anthropometric data, 6 minute walk test, lipid profile, body composition analysis and echocardiography. Physical activity levels and QOL would be assessed by filling IPAQ and SF 36 respectively. Exercise training plans would be performed thrice a week on alternate days for a total duration of 10 weeks. All measurements (anthropometric, cardiac, blood and body composition analyses) would be performed at baseline and later after the 10 weeks intervention period. Exercise intensity will be determined by individualized target heart rate zones using Karvonen formula. Strength training intensity will be determined based on 1-RM. Necessary adjustments to speed/grade and resistance will be made over the course of the intervention to ensure that target heart rate zones are achieved at all times. Apart from the exercise programs, a general similar dietary guidance by a nutritionist would also be provided to both of the groups to avoid unhealthy dietary habits.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals categorized as Overweight (BMI 23.0 to 24.9) and Obese-Class I (BMI 25.0 to 29.9).
2. Both males \& females willing to participate in the study.
3. Otherwise healthy young adults aged 18-35 and middle-aged adults (36-55 years).
4. No participation in an exercise or PA program during the last 6 months prior to the study.
5. Participants able to complete 6-minute walk test as sub-maximal evaluation test without provoking sign and symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any diagnosed neuromuscular, cardiac, renal, lung, liver disease.
2. Individuals with implantable electrical devices such as pacemakers.
3. Any physical or psychological dysfunction that hinders participation in the study.
4. Individuals already participating in any structured program for weight loss including dietary interventions or usage of nutritional supplements.
5. Individuals unable to complete 6 minute walk test due to any reason (dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain etc).