Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Interval Training

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 × 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.