Effects of 2 Methods of Combined Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of 2 combined training methods on the cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents.

Methods: A total of 76 adolescents (16.1 [1.1] y, n = 44 female) were randomized into groups of moderate-intensity continuous training combined with resistance training (MICT + RT), high-intensity interval training combined with resistance training (HIIT + RT), or control. The training sessions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. The outcomes evaluated included body fat percentage, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance index, blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and cardiometabolic risk Z score.

Results: The intervention groups presented a significant reduction in the cardiometabolic risk Z score after 12 weeks of the combined exercise program. In relation to the cardiometabolic risk Z score between groups, the HIIT + RT group presented a significant intervention effect when compared with the control group (Cohen d = 0.23; P < .05). Significant intervention effects were found when comparing the MICT + RT and control groups for body fat percentage, high-density lipoprotein, and VO2peak. Between the HIIT + RT and control groups, significant intervention effects were found for body fat percentage, blood pressure, and VO2peak. There were not significant differences between the HIIT + RT and MICT + RT groups.

Conclusion: Twelve weeks of HIIT + RT and MICT + RT were effective in significantly reducing the cardiometabolic risk in these adolescents.