Plyometric exercise combined with high-intensity interval training improves metabolic abnormalities in young obese females more so than interval training alone

International audienceThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the effects of 12 weeks of plyometric exercise combined with HIIT (P+HIIT) on anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness data in young obese females. Sixty-eight participants (age, 16.6 ± 1.3 y; body mass, 82.8 ± 5.0 kg; body fat, 39.4% ± 3.3%; body mass index z score, 2.9 ± 0.4) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 blocks per session of 6-8 bouts of 30-s runs at 100% velocity at peak oxygen uptake, with 30-s active recovery between bouts at 50%velocity at peak oxygen uptake (n = 23)); P+HIIT (2 blocks per session of 3 different 15-s plyometric exercises with 15-s passive recoveries, totaling 2 min for each plyometric exercise + the same HIIT program (n = 26)); or control (no exercise (n = 19)). Anthropometric (body mass, body mass index z score, body fat, lean body mass, and waist circumference), biochemical (plasma glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, leptin/adiponectin ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), physical fitness (peak oxygen uptake, velocity at peak oxygen uptake, squat jump, and countermovement jump performances), and energy intake data were collected. Both training programs improved the anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness variables. However, the P+HIIT program induced greater improvements than did the HIIT program in lean body mass (+3.0% ± 1.7%), plasma glucose and leptin concentrations (-11.0% ± 4.7% and -23.8% ± 5.8%, respectively), plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio (-40.9% ± 10.9%), HOMA-IR (-37.3% ± 6.2%), and squat jump performance (22.2% ± 7.5%). Taken together, these findings suggest that adding plyometric exercises to a HIIT program may be more beneficial than HIIT alone in obese female adolescent

Benefits of a regular vs irregular rhythm-based training programme on physical fitness and motor skills in obese girls

International audienc

Impact of sled loads on velocity during acceleration phase from starting blocks

Sprinters use the weighted sled to improve acceleration ability starting with the standing position, but little information is available. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sled loads on velocity achieved during a short distance sprint from the starting block and to develop a regression equation to determine the sled load in relation to the body mass (BM). Twenty-two male sprint athletes (age: 21.1±2.2 years; height: 178±6.0cm; body mass: 73.5±9.5kg; competitive experience=6.4±1.0yrs; personal best performance in 100m=11.05±0.27secs) performed five sprints over a distance of 15m from starting blocks on a synthetic surface and with track shoes (loaded conditions: 7%, 10%, 15% and 20% of BM). Sprint time for 15m under the four loaded conditions was significantly lower than the unloaded condition (p˂0.05). The results led to determining a regression equation to calculate the load that can be used with sled-towing when sprinting from starting blocks (Equation: %BM= -1.48 (% velocity)+148.85). This equation may be an appropriate tool for coaches to optimise training sessions for male sprinters.Keywords: Equation; Resisted run; Sled training; Starting blocks