Abstract
Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is impaired by obesity and can be improved by combined training, even the effects of training periodization on HRQoL are not clear. The study aimed to compare combined training with the non-periodized and the linear periodization on HRQoL of obese adults. Methods: This is a blinded, controlled clinical trial involving adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), randomized into control (CG), non-periodized (NG) and linear periodization (PG) group. Three times a week for 16 weeks, NG and PG performed combined training for 60 minutes. The NG performed aerobic exercises between 50-59% of the reserve heart rate (HRres) and strength at 10-12 maximum repetitions (MR). The PG started with 40-49% of HRres and 12-14 MRs and progressively increased the intensity (50-59% and 10-12 MRs; 60-69% and 8-10 MRs) with total volume equalized with NG. HRQoL was investigated through the SF-36 questionnaire, according to its components and domains. In statistics, Generalized Estimation Equations and mean differences (∆) were used. Results: Of the 69 participants (23 in each group), 36 completed the intervention (CG=13, NG=9 and PG=14). A significant difference was observed in time of physical function, with superiority in training groups (CG:∆=1.2 vs NG and PG, respectively: ∆=10.0). The mental component and mental health domain showed a significant difference for NG (∆=30.2 and ∆=23.1, respectively). Conclusion: The combined training was able to bring benefits to the physical functioning of adults with obesity and, specifically, the non-periodized training improved mental health indicators effectively.Clinical Trial Registry: RBR-3c7rt3 Date of Registration: 07/02/2018