High intensity interval training program in the aquatic environment (HIITAQ) in obese teens

Abstract

The increased prevalence of obesity has compromised the health of Brazilian adolescents. Regular exercise and lifestyle changes are recommended as prevention and treatment. However, there is no consensus on the dose-response of exercise programs. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training program in the aquatic environment (HIITAQ) on physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adolescents. The sample consisted of 18 adolescents of both sexes, aged 12 to 17 years, diagnosed with obesity. Anthropometric variables, physical fitness, blood glucose, and lipid profile were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of training. The program consisted of two sets of 4-8 repetitions lasting 30 seconds (85% -95% of maximum heart rate) for 60 seconds of the active rest interval. After the exercise program, there was a reduction in body mass index z-score, BMIz (p <0.01), reduction of Total Cholesterol, TC (p <0.01), and LDL (p <0.01). There was an increase in basal metabolic rate (p <0.01) and peak VO₂ (p <0.01). No differences were observed after training in the percentage of fat, body mass index, BMI, waist/height ratio WHtR, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and HDL-c (p>0,05). The high-intensity training program in the aquatic environment was effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors.