EFFECTS OF INTERVAL TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, MUSCLE MASS AND STRENGTH IN OVERWEIGHT ADULTS

The primary objective was to investigate the effectiveness of interval training and to evaluate the best available method for measuring body composition and functional capacity. Thirty overweight subjects voluntarily participated in the current study. They ranked sedentary according to their level of activity (˃30-minute moderate physical activity 3days/wk). The training sessions were divided into the warm-up phase, training phase and a cool-down phase. The training programs were completed 3days/week for 12 weeks. Body composition was calculated by skinfold thickness method and bio-impedance before and after training. Similarly, aerobic capacities were measured by lactate threshold testing and by Astrand submaximal testing. A significant effect of interval training on the body composition and functional capacities of overweight adults. BMI and body fat mass were reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was significantly improved in participants (P < 0.05). Similarly, significant changes were seen in the lactate threshold level (P < 0.05). Interval training is a useful method to improve body composition and functional capacities. Moreover, it is evaluated that Bioimpedance and Lactate threshold testing provides more detailed information and is more useful exercise testing techniques as compared to skinfold thickness and Astrand submaximal test Key Words: Obesity, interval training, Body composition, Exercise testing