Five Weeks of Low-Load Resistance and Light-Aerobic Training Combined with Hypoxia Improved Muscular Performance, Oxygen Consumption, and Body Composition in Overweight Men

Yuyongsin S, Namboonlue C, La-bantao K, Saengjan W, Manimmanakorn A, Muangritdech N. Five Weeks of Low-Load Resistance and Light-Aerobic Training Combined with Hypoxia Improved Muscular Performance, Oxygen Consumption, and Body Composition in Overweight Men. JEPonline 2022;25(5):39-50. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of low-load resistance combined with light-aerobic training under hypoxic condition on muscular performance, oxygen consumption, and body composition in overweight males. Thirty healthy overweight males aged 19 to 24 years from Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University were randomly divided into 3 Groups: (a) the Hypoxic Low-Load Resistance Training (HRT) Group; (b) the Hypoxic Light-Aerobic Training (HAT) Group; and (c) the Hypoxic Low-Load Resistance Combined with Hypoxic Light-Aerobic Training (HRT+HAT) Group. All 3 Groups performed the exercise training program under hypoxia ([F.sub.1][O.sub.2] = 15.8%) 3 d*[wk.sup.-1] for 5 weeks. All variables were measured before and after the 5-wk experimental period. After training, the maximum strength in both the knee extension and flexion were significantly increased in the HRT+HAT Group when compared with the HRT Group (P = 0.009, 0.025) and the HAT Group (P = 0.006, 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the HRT+HAT Group showed a substantial increase in maximal oxygen consumption when compared with the HRT Group (P = 0.034). Hence, the findings indicate that low-load resistance training combined with light-aerobic exercise under hypoxia can be used as an alternative and novel therapeutic strategy to improve muscular performance, oxygen consumption, and body composition in overweight male subjects. Key Words: BMI, Exercise, Metabolism, V[O.sub.2] max