Rev Bras Fisiol Exerc 2020;19(5):398-408
doi: 10.33233/rbfex.v19i5.3264
ORIGINAL
ARTICLE
Effect
of two types of cross training protocols on body composition and physical
fitness of young adults
Efeitos de dois tipos
de protocolos de cross training sobre a composição
corporal e aptidão física
Marzo Edir Da
Silva-Grigoletto1, Ezequias Pereira-Neto1, Leandro
Henrique Albuquerque Brandão1, Leury Max
da Silva Chaves1, Marcos Bezerra de Almeida1
1Programa de
Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brasil
Received
on: October 4, 2019; accepted on: May 26, 2020.
Corresponding author: Marzo
Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Universidade Federal de
Sergipe (UFS), Avenida Marechal Rondon, s/n – Jardim Rosa Elze
49100-000 São Cristóvão SE
Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto: medg@ufs.br
Ezequias Pereira Neto:
neto.pereiraedf@gmail.com
Leandro Henrique
Albuquerque Brandão: leeo.henriquee01@gmail.com
Leury Max Da Silva Chaves:
leury_max@hotmail.com
Marcos Bezerra de
Almeida: mb.almeida@ufs.br
Abstract
Introduction: Modifications in body composition parameters are considered health
risk factors. Thus, exercise programs such as Cross Training emerge as an
alternative to reduce health risk factors, especially the body composition of
practitioners. Aim: To compare the adaptations from 10 weeks of Cross
Training performed in a grouped and alternated manner on body composition and
physical fitness of active young people. Methods: Sixty adults underwent
ten weeks of two Cross Training programs, organized in grouped circuit (CTG:
n = 26; age 26,00 ± 7,00 y; body mass 67,90 ± 10,90 kg; BMI 24,30 ± 3,10 kg/m2)
and alternated (CTA: n = 29; age 27,00 ± 8,00 y; body mass 69,00 ± 10,50 kg; BMI
25,00 ± 3,60). Before and after the intervention period, the subjects were
evaluated on body composition and physical fitness parameters. Body and adipose
mass were evaluated by bioelectrical analyzer (bioimpedance). Verification of
physical fitness was performed using isometric deadlift, handgrip test and yoyo
intermittent recovery test-IR2. Analysis of variance (2x2 ANOVA) with repeated
measures, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test were used to compare means and
detect differences between protocols, adopting p ≤ 0.05 for statistical
significance. Percentage change and effect size were also calculated for each
dependent variable. Results: After the intervention period both training
protocols presented statistically significant difference in relation to time in
body composition parameters (muscle mass: p ≤ 0,001 and fat mass: p ≤ 0,001)
and cardiorespiratory fitness (p ≤ 0,01). Regarding the maximum isometric
force, the CTG showed a significant difference when compared to the initial
moment (Handgrip: p = 0,02; Deadlift: p = 0,03), a fact observed in the CTA group
deadlift (p = 0,05) only, (Handgrip: p = 0,08). When confronted with each other,
the groups showed no statistically significant difference in any comparison. Conclusion:
Both training protocols were effective for improving body composition and
cardiorespiratory fitness parameters in young adults.
Keywords: exercise, anthropometry, resistance training.
Resumo
Introdução: Alterações em
parâmetros da composição corporal são considerados fatores de risco à saúde.
Com isso, programas de exercício físico como o Cross Training surgem
como alternativa para reduzir fatores de risco à saúde, em especial a
composição corporal dos praticantes. Objetivo: Verificar se
existe diferença entre dois protocolos diferentes de Cross Training sobre
a composição corporal e aptidão física de jovens ativos. Métodos: Sessenta
adultos foram submetidos a dez semanas de dois programas de Cross
Training, organizados em circuito agrupado (CTG: n = 26; idade: 26 ± 7 anos;
massa corporal 68 ± 11 kg; IMC 24 ± 3 kg/m2) e alternado (CTA: n = 29;
idade 27 ± 8 anos; massa corporal 69 ± 10 kg; IMC 25 ± 4 kg/cm2). Antes e
após o período de intervenção, os indivíduos foram avaliados em parâmetros
composição corporal e aptidão física. Massa corporal e adiposa foram avaliadas
por meio de análise de impedância bioelétrica (BIA). A verificação da
aptidão física foi realizada por meio da força muscular isométrica máxima (isometric deadlift e Handgrip test) e aptidão
cardiorrespiratória (yoyo intermitente recovery test-IR2). Análise de variância (ANOVA 2x2)
com medidas repetidas, seguido por post hoc test de
Bonferroni foram utilizados para comparação de médias
e detecção de diferenças entre os protocolos, adotando p ≤ 0,05 para
significância estatística. Percentual de mudança e tamanho do efeito também
foram calculados para cada variável dependente. Resultados: Após
o período de intervenção ambos protocolos de treinamento apresentaram diferença
estatisticamente significante em relação ao tempo em parâmetros da composição corporal
(massa muscular: p ≤ 0,001 e massa adiposa: p ≤ 0,001) e aptidão
cardiorrespiratória (p ≤ 0,01) para ambos os grupos. Em relação a força
isométrica máxima, o CTG apresentou diferença significativa quando comparado
com o momento inicial (Handgrip: p = 0,02; Deadlift: p = 0,03), fato observado no grupo CTA somente no Deadlift (p = 0,05), (Handgrip:
p = 0,08). Quando confrontados entre si, os grupos não apresentaram diferença
estatisticamente significativa em nenhuma comparação. Conclusão: Ambos
protocolos de treinamento foram eficazes para melhora dos parâmetros de
composição corporal e aptidão cardiorrespiratória em jovens adultos.
Palavras-chave: exercício,
antropometria, treinamento resistido.
Obesity and overweight are risk factors for health associated with
physical inactivity, low cardiorespiratory capacity and strength [1,2]. This
condition is reversed when a physical training program and daily eating habits
is included, resulting in a healthy lifestyle standpoint of the body composition
and physical fitness [3,4].
From this perspective, physical training strategies that have different
characteristics work in a similar way to improve body composition and physical
fitness. In this sense, functional training (FT) has stood out as an important
method for increasing these components, and for maintaining adequate levels of
physical activity. In addition, recently, FT was considered as one of the 20
main intervention trends by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) [5].
The FT is characterized by integrated, multiplanar and multi joint
exercises based on acceleration, deceleration and stabilization in order to
improve mimic individual's daily function. As a result, functional capacity it
is expected to improve through the upgrade of the most essential components of
physical fitness [6]. The notorious good popular acceptance demanded
methodological variations in order to expand its use. Cross Training, for
example, is a variation of FT that has the same characteristics of planning and
controlling the external load of training. Like FT, Cross Training also uses
functional movement patterns (inherent to the human being's daily life), such
as pulling, pushing, crouching and carrying, carried out at high intensity,
promoting morphological structure and functionality adaptations of
practitioners [7] from different population groups [8,9].
Control of external load training is based primarily on the manipulation
of objective indicators, such as volume, intensity, training frequency and
density. There is also a qualitative element in training prescription, but it
can also affect the dose of external load, expressed from the perspective of
the methodological organization of the session. In this sense, it is common
that the exercises used in training session to be alternated according to the
movement pattern. Alternatively, the session can be performed by grouping
movement patterns in one, two or three exercises arranged in a sequential
manner. These proposals for methodological organization differ from one another
according to the time under tension in each set of muscle groups in a short
period of time. Nonetheless, to the best of our knowledge, scientific
literature is still unclear whether this methodological difference can
influence adaptations in body composition and components of physical fitness in
active young people.
Therefore, this study aimed to verify if there is a difference between
two different Cross Training protocols on the body composition and physical fitness
of active young people.
Experimental
approach to the problem
To verify the adaptations on fat mass and fat free mass in young adults
submitted to two Cross Training programs, the participants underwent an initial
evaluation two weeks before the beginning of the training period, in which
functional capacity and the amount of fat mass and fat-free mass were evaluated
in adults. In the following week, individuals familiarized themselves with the
exercises that would be used in training protocol, which lasted 10 weeks long.
After that, volunteers were reassessed under the same pre-training conditions.
Study protocol was previously approved by the Humans Research Ethics Committee
at the Federal University of Sergipe (Number: 2,099,370) and all tests and
training were performed in the sports gym of that institution.
Anthropometric (weight and height), body composition and physical
fitness (maximum isometric muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness)
assessments were performed at the beginning, which preceded the intervention
period (M1) and after the training period (M2). Two high intensity functional
training (Cross Training) protocols, distinguished only by the methodological
organization of exercises were performed by sedentary individuals over 30
training sessions, performed three times a week on alternate days.
All volunteers received information about procedures as well as risks
and benefits of taking part in the research and signed a written consent form.
All participants were instructed not to perform regular physical exercise
during the intervention period. Training protocol was conducted in a sports
gym, during the afternoon, between 17:00 and 19:00.
Participants
Sixty adults participated in the study. For randomization, the initial
muscle strength values were used. Subsequently, the individuals were divided
into two groups equally, named alternated (CTA) and grouped (CTG) circuit
training groups (table I).
Table
I - Characteristics of participants per group
BMI
= Body mass index; no statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) was found
in the comparisons
To be included in the sample, volunteers should not have any type of
cardiovascular, pulmonary or joint and/or musculoskeletal damage, nor
participate in any type of training in the last three months. Individuals who
presented some physical discomfort during the evaluations and / or protocols,
who did not complete the evaluations or who did not reach the minimum frequency
of 85% of the proposed training were excluded from the final analyzes. Five
individuals did not complete the assessments, four from the CTG and one from
the CTA, for personal reasons unrelated to the training.
Anthropometric
and body mass assessment
Determination of mass and body height were performed using an analog
scale with a coupled stadiometer (Welmy® Santa
Bárbara d’Oeste, São Paulo, Brazil) with a scale of
100 g and 1.0 cm, respectively. The calculation of BMI was performed based on
the equation: BMI = body mass (kg) / height (m2).
A bioelectrical impedance (BIA) balance (Tanita, thetrapolar
BC 558, Japan) assessed body composition [10]. Absolute measurements of
fat-free and adipose mass were verified. Previous requirements for bioimpedance
assessment were explained verbally as well as through leaflets distributed to
all research participants according to the guidelines suggested by ESPEN [11].
Figure
1 - Experimental design of the inclusion and
analysis of the sample
Physical
fitness assessment
Physical fitness assessment was based on muscle strength and
cardiorespiratory capacity. A dorsal analog dynamometer (HOMIS, Dorsal, São
Paulo-SP, Brazil) was used to evaluate muscular strength, without
qualifications four; a familiarization and three isometric control measures, at
most, deadlift exercise on a specific dynamometer. Subjects starts with knees
and hips flexed, and progressively applies force to the device until reaching
the maximum isometric force. Each contraction takes five seconds long, followed
by two minutes of recovery at the end of each bout. The highest value is used for
analysis [12].
Handgrip isometric strength test was also used to measure the maximum
isometric strength. Test is performed in a sitting position, with the elbow of
the arm being assessed and the knees flexed 90 degrees. Subjects performed the
contraction progressively until reaching the maximum isometric strength [13].
These procedures are performed in both hands and the average between the two
largest measures reached in both arms is used for analysis.
Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the yoyo intermittent recovery
test-IR2t [14]. Test starts at a zero point, in which subjects run back and
forth between two cones 20 meters apart. After every 40 meters covered, it is
allowed a 5 meters walk recovery. An audible signal controls the ideal pace to
run at a given stage and the test is ended when the participant fails to reach
the cone under the designated time twice [14]. The total distance covered to
the last completed stage is used for analysis.
Exercise
protocols
Exercise protocols of experimental groups were performed on alternate
days and a 72-hour recovery interval between sessions. Both training sessions
were structured in circuits of six exercises, throughout the training session,
which was divided into four distinct blocks. In the first block, joint
mobility, muscle activation and coordinating activities were performed; in the
second part of the training, six different exercises predominantly stimulated
the speed, agility and muscle power of the lower and upper limbs, described as
a neuromuscular block 1 (see table II).
In the subsequent block (neuromuscular 2), six activities oriented to
muscle strength were performed, based on functional movement patterns such as
squatting, pulling and pushing, alternating organized (CTA) or grouped (CTG)
according to figure 2. All subjects were encouraged to perform the exercises at
the maximum contraction speed and the highest number of repetitions that they
were able to perform. During all training sessions a team of Physical Education
professionals and students helped controlling training load and the application
of training progressions over the weeks to ensure that the individuals carried
out training protocols in an effective way.
Movement
Patterns: E = Push; A = Squat; P = Pull
Figure
2 - Methodological organization of alternated
circuit (CTA) and grouped (CTG) protocols in the neuromuscular 2 block
In the last training block, both groups performed an intermittent
activity (20 m interval running at maximum speed - all out with 15 seconds of
rest), which has a cardiometabolic characteristic. The exercises used, as well
as the intensity and density used during the intervention are described in
tables II and III.
The training progressions were based on the principle of complexity, a
strategy to modify training load used mainly in specific actions (sports or
daily life) stimulated in the functional training protocols, as previously
described [15].
Table
II - Exercises, progressions, intensity and density
used in the neuromuscular 1 block (Second training block) of the alternated
circuit and grouped circuit groups
Table
III - Exercises, progressions, intensity and density
used in neuromuscular 2 block (third training block) of the alternated circuit
and grouped circuit groups
Statistical
analysis
Data were expressed as means and standard deviations for all variables
obtained. Then, a 2x2 ANOVA (two groups x two moments) was performed with
repeated measures on the second factor, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test
to compare means and detect differences between protocols. Normality of data
was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and homogeneity by Levene
test. Data were tabulated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23, adopting a significance level of
5% (p≤0.05). All tests were two-tailed and the effect size (ES) was
calculated according to previously defined methodological procedures,
interpreting the effects as trivial (<0.50), small (0.50 - 1.25), moderate
(1.25 - 1.90) or large (> 1.90) (16).
After 10 weeks of training, CTG and CTA groups showed significant
improvement in muscle mass and reduced fat mass (CTG: p <0.001; CTA: p
<0.001). CTG group proved to be efficient in all variables of physical
fitness, showing a statistical difference in isometric strength of handgrip,
isometric strength of the lumbar muscles and cardiorespiratory fitness. In
turn, the CTA group showed a statistical difference only in terms of
cardiorespiratory fitness. When compared to each other, there was no statistically
significant difference in any of the variables regardless of the time when the
assessment occurred in the present study (muscle mass [p = 0.1]; fat mass [p =
0.754]; Yoyo [p = 0.90]; Handgrip test (p = 0.70); Isometric deadlift (p =
0.80).
Table
IV - Values of mean, standard deviation, effect size
and percentage of change presented in the assessments of physical fitness and
body composition in the moments before and after intervention by the
experimental groups grouped circuit (CTG) and alternated circuit (CTA)
(*)
Statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) favorable to CTG; (#)
Statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) in favor of CTA. No
statistically significant differences were detected in comparisons between
groups
The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two Cross
Training protocols with different configurations on the body composition and
physical fitness of active young people. Ten weeks of intervention were able to
promote improvements in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle
strength in the studied population after both protocols. Although the magnitude
of the percentage changes and the effect size values observed in CTG was
greater than in CTA, there was no statistical difference between training
protocols.
In addition to the traditional training dose control variables (volume,
intensity, density and weekly frequency), Cross Training also has another
characteristic way of controlling the stimulus dose of the training session,
called the organization/disposal of the exercises in the circuit. Such
modifications can provide a significant reduction in the adipose mass, as
already demonstrated after 20 and 40 weeks of circuit training [17]. These
results are in line with the findings of the present study. On the other hand,
another study applied eight weeks of high-intensity functional training and
found a significant reduction in the percentage of fat, but not in adipose
mass, in physically inactive individuals [18].
Increased fat loss is a key factor in maintaining health. From that
point on, interventions with high intensity exercises are considered
fundamental strategies to increase the magnitude of fat mass loss and,
consequently, to fight overweight and/or obesity [19]. Previous studies report
that 10 to 20 weeks of circuit training are enough to reduce body mass of
inactive individuals by 3% [20], similar to the
findings observed in the present study.
Feito et al.
[21] also found improvements on body composition after 10 weeks of
high-intensity functional training. However, this study did not seek to compare
different organizational models of a Cross Training program. It is important to
note that in addition of being an effective and viable intervention, Cross
Training can be organized in specific ways, aiming to improve body composition.
This possibility arouses greater efficiency and favors exercise program
prescription.
Nevertheless, the benefits of increasing energy expenditure through
training and thus decreasing body fat levels, as observed in the present study,
have a direct impact on the regulation of physiological events that promote
thermogenesis and lipolysis [22,23]. The use of energetic substrates during
exercise depend upon intensity, however, the contributions of each substrate
are directly linked to the characteristic and methodological organization of
the training program (grouped or alternated as in the present study).
Consequently, intensity and duration are responsible for determining oxidation
of fatty acids or glucose [24]. A Cross Training session consists of training
blocks in which different components of physical fitness are stimulated
(coordination, muscle strength and power, cardiorespiratory fitness, etc.), as
a multi-component session [25]. The organization of training is carried out in
an intermittent circuit, which allows different adaptations to the physical
capacities of individuals [26] as observed in the present study. Improvement in
maximum lumbar isometric muscle strength and handgrip was observed in the CTG
group. Although both groups performed a specific block for muscle strength,
recovering time for certain muscle groups was shorter for CTG (figure 2), due
to this fact, such adaptations had a greater magnitude of effect in this group
[27].
In addition, increased isometric strength is also associated with
decreased risk of death from any cause [27], representing an important health
indicator for individuals. For inactive individuals, short and mid-term muscle
strength increase is justified by neural adaptation commonly observed in early
phases of resistance training program. These benefits are mainly associated
with coordination and recruitment of new motor units, as well as the greater
neural impulse to activate other fibers during movement [28].
Cardiorespiratory fitness showed improvement in both groups. That is,
the training protocols, most likely, promoted adaptations in the functions of
capture, transport and use of oxygen by the body (hypothesized by improved
endurance performance), characteristics of high intensity training [29]. These
adaptations may result from an improvement in peripheral cardiovascular system,
promoting an increase in capillary density, up to central adaptations, stimulating
an increase in cardiac ejection volume [30]. In addition, the high intensity
observed in both exercise protocols can also be considered a major factor for
the increase in cardiorespiratory fitness in the individuals of the present
study [31].
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that compares
adaptations from two types of circuit organization in high intensity functional
training. Due to this fact, some limitations can be pointed out as a basis for
further studies. We were not able to control diet. The International Society of
Sports Nutrition [32] pointed this out as an intervening variable in studies
that aim to investigate body composition as outcome. Notwithstanding, sample
subjects were given an agenda to maintain their eating habits, thus evidencing
the specific influence of exercise on body composition contained in their life
habits. In addition, the lack of a control group does not present a reference
to daily life and influence on eating habits that could eventually contribute
to the change in body composition.
In conclusion, the present study revealed that both Cross Training
programs organized in a grouped and alternated circuit were effective in
reducing fat mass, increasing muscle mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in
young adults. However, the grouped circuit had a better effect size and range
of change on the maximum isometric muscle strength of lumbar and handgrip
muscles.