Functional High-Intensity Circuit Training Improves Body Composition, Peak Oxygen Uptake, Strength, and Alters Certain Dimensions of Quality of Life in Overweight Women

Abstract

The effects of circuit-like functional high-intensity training (Circuit_HIIT) alone or in combination with high-volume low-intensity exercise (Circuit_combined) on selected cardio-respiratory and metabolic parameters, body composition, functional strength and the quality of life of overweight women were compared. In this single-center, two-armed randomized, controlled study, overweight women performed 9-weeks (3 sessions·wk⁻¹) of either CircuitHIIT (n = 11), or Circuit_combined (n = 8). Peak oxygen uptake and perception of physical pain were increased to a greater extent (p < 0.05) by Circuit_HIIT, whereas Circuitcombined improved perception of general health more (p < 0.05). Both interventions lowered body mass, body-mass-index, waist-to-hip ratio, fat mass, and enhanced fat-free mass; decreased ratings of perceived exertion during submaximal treadmill running; improved the numbers of push-ups, burpees, one-legged squats, and 30-s skipping performed, as well as the height of counter-movement jumps; and improved physical and social functioning, role of physical limitations, vitality, role of emotional limitations, and mental health to a similar extent (all p < 0.05). Either forms of these multi-stimulating, circuit-like, multiple-joint training can be employed to improve body composition, selected variables of functional strength, and certain dimensions of quality of life in overweight women. However, Circuit_HIIT improves peak oxygen uptake to a greater extent, but with more perception of pain, whereas Circuit_combined results in better perception of general health.