Effects of Functional Strength Training Combined with Aerobic Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Movement Quality in Obese Adolescents.

Plain Language Summary

Adolescent obesity is mainly caused by the interaction of poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of physical activity. Alarmingly, obesity in adolescents not only leads to unhealthy body composition but also significantly elevates the risk of severe psychological issues such as low self-esteem and depression. This study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training combined with aerobic training versus traditional resistance training combined with aerobic training on body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality in adolescents with obesity. This study was a randomised controlled trial involving 40 adolescents with obesity, who were divided into two groups: the training group (TG) and the control group (CG). Each group trained five times per week, each lasting 120 minutes, over 12 weeks. Both groups also followed a strict dietary programme. Results showed that TG was more effective than CG in improving the body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality of adolescents with obesity. Specifically, TG significantly improved body mass, body fat percentage, body mass index, neck circumference, chest circumference, upper body strength, lower limb strength, and total functional movement screen score. Authors concluded that incorporating functional strength exercises into aerobic training regimens could be a more effective strategy for addressing obesity-related health issues in this population.