Effects of Combined Vigorous Interval Training Program and Diet on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Physical Self-Perceptions Among Obese Adolescent Boys and Girls.
This study examined the effects of a five-week intervention combining vigorous interval training (VIT) with diet among twenty-four obese adolescents. Fourteen girls and ten boys (aged 14-15) schooled in a pediatric rehabilitation center participated.



The VIT intensity was targeted and remained above 80% of maximal heart rate (HR) and over six kilocalories per minute. Pre- and postintervention measures were body composition (BMI, weight, body fat percentage), physical self-perceptions (PSP), physical fitness (6-min walking distance and work) and its associated physiological responses (HRpeakand blood lactate concentration). A series of two-way analyses of variance or covariance controlling for weight loss were used to examine the changes.



Significant improvements were found in body composition, physical fitness and PSP (endurance, activity level, sport competence, global physical self-concept and appearance). In addition, boys presented higher levels of perceived strength and global physical self-concept than girls. Finally, there was a significant increase in perceived endurance, sport competence, and global physical self-concept in girls only.



This five-week VIT program combined with diet represents an effective means for improving body composition, physical fitness, and PSP in obese adolescents, the effects on PSP being larger among girls.
1 University of Toulon.
Olivier
O
Rey
1 University of Toulon.
Jean-Marc
JM
Vallier
2 Aix Marseille University.
Caroline
C
Nicol
3 Le Noble Age Group.
Charles-Symphorien
CS
Mercier
4 University of Quebec in Outaouais.
Christophe
C
Maïano
D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D000072696:High-Intensity Interval Training; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012649:Self Concept
interval training; pediatric obesity; physical fitness; physical self-perceptions; vigorous exercise