Effects of 24‑week polarized training vs. threshold training in obese male adults.

The combination of high volume of moderate-intensity continuous training with a low volume of high-intensity interval training improved body composition and physical capacities in individuals with obesity. However, polarized training (POL) has never been used in adult men with obesity. Thus, the purposes of this study were to investigate changes in body composition and physical capacities induced by a 24-week POL or threshold (THR) program in obese male adults. Twenty male patients (mean age 39.8±6.3 y; mean body mass index [BMI] 31.6±2.7 kg∙m-2) participated in this study (n: 10 POL, n: 10 THR). After 24-week, body mass (BM) and fat mass (FM) decreased by -3.20±3.10 kg (P<0.05) and -3.80±2.80 kg (P<0.05), respectively, similarly in both groups. Maximal oxygen uptake (V'O2max) and V'O2 at respiratory compensation point (RCP) increased in the POL group (+8.5±12.2 and +9.0±17.0%, P<0.05) and in the THR group (+4.24±8.64 and +4.0±6.70%, P<0.05), as well V'O2 at gas exchange threshold (GET) increased similarly in both groups (+12.8±12.0%, P<0.05). POL and THR were equally effective in improving body composition and physical capacities in obese subjects. Moreover, adding a running competition to the end of the training programs can be useful to increase adherence to training.