Effects of a concurrent physical exercise program on aerobic power and body composition in adults.

AIM: This study aimed to observe the effects of a concurrent physical training program (CPTP) on aerobic power and body composition in adults.

METHODS: The final sample was composed of 71 non-athletic men, randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (EG, N.=42, 45±8.46 years) and control group (CG, N.=29, 47±8.34 years). Body composition was assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and aerobic power by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), obtained in the Cooper 12-minute run test. CPTP consisted of running training in the Fatmax intensity zone and strength training (squats and bench presses); three 40-minute sessions a week for 24 weeks. Descriptive and inferential analysis (intra-group: t-test and inter-group: 2x2 ANOVA and Sheffe post-hoc) was applied, and the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test sample normality. The significance level was set at 5% for all tests.

RESULTS: A significant alteration was found in intra-group comparison for the EG, with respect to fat percentage (D=-1.13 kg; P<0.001), lean mass (D=0.29 kg; P=0.030) and VO2max (D=1.18 mL/kg/min; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that CPTP caused an increase in aerobic power, evidenced in VO2max and enhanced body composition, with an increase in LM and reduction in F%.