Multicomponent training with different frequencies on body composition and physical fitness in obese children

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of ten-week multicomponent training with different exercise frequencies on body composition (BC) and physical fitness (PF) in overweight and obese young children. Methods: 40 children, aged 12-15 (14.77±1.49), were randomly selected and assigned to experimental groups to train three times/week (EG1) or two times/week (EG2) for 10 weeks and a CG group (no training program). Results: It was shown that experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) improved similarly aerobic capacity (3.8% and 3.5%, respectively), muscular strength (29.7% and 25.2%), flexibility (6.1% and 9.9%), body mass index (5.0% and 4.6%), and body fat (6.4% and 5.6%) from pre- to post-training. CG group showed no significant improvements on BC and PF variables. Conclusion: Short-term multicomponent training seems to be effective on PF improvements, independently of the exercise frequency, in overweight and obese young children. However, it seems to be more effective to perform a multicomponent exercise training three times/week to improve muscular strength, body mass index, and decrease body fat percentage. This knowledge should be considered by professionals in physical education or youth sport in order to adapt practical tasks depending on the training purposes.

摘要：引言：本研究旨在对比10周多组分训练（multicomponent training）采用不同运动频率时，对超重与肥胖青少年儿童身体成分（body composition, BC）及体能（physical fitness, PF）的影响。方法：选取40名年龄介于12至15岁（平均年龄14.77±1.49）的儿童，通过随机分配分为三组：每周开展3次训练的实验组1（EG1）、每周开展2次训练的实验组2（EG2），两组均持续训练10周；另设无任何训练计划的对照组（CG）。结果：训练前后对比显示，两个实验组的有氧能力分别提升3.8%与3.5%、肌肉力量分别提升29.7%与25.2%、柔韧性分别提升6.1%与9.9%、身体质量指数（body mass index, BMI）分别下降5.0%与4.6%、体脂率分别下降6.4%与5.6%，两组的改善效果无显著差异；对照组的身体成分与体能指标均未出现显著改善。结论：短期多组分训练可有效提升超重与肥胖青少年儿童的体能，且训练效果不受运动频率影响。不过，若目标为提升肌肉力量、改善身体质量指数以及降低体脂率，采用每周3次的多组分训练方案效果更优。体育教育及青少年体育领域的专业人员可参考该研究结论，结合具体训练目标调整实操训练方案。