The physiological and physical benefits of two types of concurrent training: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: It is widely acknowledged that aerobic exercise and strength training are crucial components of most workout programs. However, there is no consensus as to whether the effectiveness of exercises is affected by the sequence in which they are performed. Therefore, the overarching aim of the study was 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 (VO_2max), dynamic respiratory parameters and muscle strength in healthy middle-aged people.

Methods: Thirty-three middle-aged individuals, who were categorized as moderately active based on their responses to International Physical Activity Questionnaires, underwent random allocation. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the Strength Training followed by Aerobic Training group (SAG, n = 16) and the Aerobic Training followed by Strength Training group (ASG, n = 17). Body composition, aerobic endurance, respiratory parameters, and upper and lower strength were assessed at baseline and after (post-test) a 13-week intervention. The chi-square test and the independent t-test were used to compare sociodemographic variables between the groups. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (group x measurement) was conducted. The study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov in May of 2023 (clinicaltials.gov identifier: NCT05862415; in 04/25/2023).

Results: Findings showed no significant differences between the group in the VO_2max, FVC or FEV1 (F = 1.122, 0.028, 0.06, 2.483; p > 0.05, respectively). Intragroup analysis revealed changes in PEF compared to baseline in the ASG (F = 5.895; p < 0.05). Increases were observed in all strength parameters for both training programs.

Conclusions: The concurrent training effect on muscle composition, oxygen consumption and muscle strength specifically 1RM, in middle-aged individuals are equivocal, regardless of the exercise order. The results indicate that both exercise sequences can elicit similar benefits in terms of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance. This lack of difference suggests that the order of exercise does not play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of the workout or the subsequent physiological adaptations. CLINICALTIALS.

Gov identifier: NCT05862415. Date of registration: 04/25/2023.

Keywords: Aerobic training; Anaerobic work; Endurance; Strength; Training protocols.