Concurrent Training for Optimal Physiological and Physical Benefits

It is widely accepted that aerobic exercise and strengthen training are the core components of most workout programs. However, there is no clear consensus on whether the order in which the exercises are performed impacts their effectiveness. Therefore, the overarching aim of the study is to understand the optimal order of two types of concurrent training program for 13 weeks by comparing the effectiveness of the training on body composition, predicated maximal oxygen uptake (MaxVO2), dynamic respiratory parameters, and muscle strength in healthy middle-aged people. Methods:Thirty-three moderately-active middle-aged and healthy participants were randomly assigned to the strength+aerobic group (SAG, n = 16) and aerobic+strength group (ASG, n = 17). Body composition, aerobic endurance, respiratory parameters and upper and lower strength were assessed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) a 13-week intervention. The chi-square test and the independent t-test will be used to compare sociodemographic variables between the groups. A 2 x 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (group x measurement) will be conducted. This study will enhance our understanding of the concurrent training effect on muscle composition and strength. These training programs allow for reducing the duration of the training, which can be an important factor in making adults more willing to participate in physical activity.