Effects of high-intensity interval training associated to microcurrent on localized adiposity: protocol of randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: High-intensity interval training promotes body weight loss, while microcurrent electrical stimulation has therapeutic potential toreduce localized abdominal fat. However, there are no studies that have investigated the association of the two forms of intervention in reducinglocalized adiposity. Objectives: To verify the effects of high-intensity interval training, associated or not, with microcurrent therapy, in reducinglocalized abdominal fat. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical study will be conducted with 60 women aged 18 to 40 years, with localizedabdominal adiposity. Participants will be randomized into 3 groups: Control Group (without physiotherapeutic intervention), Exercise Group(high-intensity interval training for 30 minutes) and Exercise Group associated with Microcurrent (application of 30 minutes of microcurrent priorto high-intensity interval training). The intervention will take place twice a week for 5 weeks. The clinical outcomes evaluated and their respectivemeasuring instruments will be: body composition (bioimpedance scale and adipometry), anthropometric measurements (perimetry), level ofphysical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ, short version), quality of life (IWQol-Lite, short version), body satisfaction(Stunkard figure rating scale), degree of satisfaction with the performance of the intervention (questionnaire adapted by the researchers) andevaluation of the lumbopelvic complex. These outcomes will be measured in 4 moments: before the intervention, after the 5th and 10thintervention, and with a follow-up of 1 month. Discussion: A previous study has already shown the positive result of the association of moderateintensity exercise, associated with the previous application of microcurrent, in reducing localized abdominal adiposity. These findings raised thehypothesis that the association of this electrical therapy with high-intensity interval training may present positive results in the search for thereduction of abdominal fat, with the clinical advantage of enhancing the achieved results and/or reducing the time spent by the patient in therapy.

Effects of microcurrent therapy combined with High-Intensity Interval Training on the reduction of localized abdominal adiposity: a randomized clinical trial

“…All participants signed a Free and Informed Consent Form (FICF) and an authorization for image use. Data collection was performed in the Physical Therapy Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and was based and was based on the study protocol published by Korelo et al (7) .…”

“…Over the course of the study, changes in outcomes translated into an adaptation of methodology, taking into account the number of active participants in each study group, due to difficulties related to the time required for intervention and re-evaluation. Thus, randomization by convenience had to be performed for data analysis, which diverges from the initial block randomization proposed in the protocol (7) .…”

“…Parameters were used in this study frequency of 25Hz in the first 15 minutes, changing to 10Hz in the remaining 15 minutes, with maximum intensity (500μA) or sub sensorial level, before the realization of the same HIIT circuit performed by the EG (7) .…”

“…This method is an effective alternative when compared to other physical exercises due to high adherence rates and its lower volume and duration, saving time and bringing equal or better results (6) . Both HIIT and lipolysis are powerful resources to reduce local fat, but, as described and justified in the protocol previously published by our study group (7) , the possible advantage of incorporating MES before a session of HIIT would be to promote a cumulative effect on the mobilization of the adipose panicle, increasing its bioavailability as an energy source, in a protocol that includes a shorter time of physical exercise practice. However, the lack of research on the use of MES for electrolipolysis hinders the establishment of an adequate protocol and implies uncertainty on which electrical parameters must be used.…”