Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Interval Training

Abstract

Background: Excess weight and obesity are related to cardiometabolic diseases and limit physical activity. Until now, the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) compared with moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) in Spanish obese adults have not been analyzed. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of MICT and MIIT together with a 1300-to-1400 caloric restrictive diet on cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight and obese patients. Methods: The MICT and MIIT groups trained during 4 sessions a week for 12 weeks while performing the diet. The MICT group trained for 32 minutes per session in a cycloergometer, initially at 60% maximal oxygen uptake during the first month and increasing by 10% every 4 weeks. The MIIT group performed 4 Â 4 intervals (at 60% maximal oxygen uptake and active rest at 60% maximal oxygen uptake minus 20 W), with a 10% increase every 4 weeks. The control group neither trained nor followed the restrictive diet. Results: One hundred fifty-nine obese adults participated in the study. The control group did not present any significant changes during the study. The MICT group significantly improved in all the variables ( P < .05) except for high-density lipoproteins. The MIIT group improved in all the variables ( P < .05) except for high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. The MIIT group lost weight in less time than the MICT group. Conclusions: Overweight and obese adults of both the MICT and MIIT groups decreased their risk for cardiovascular disease, although the MIIT group lost weight in a shorter amount of time.