The Effect of Two Types of Concurrent Training on Vo2max, Maximal Strength and Body Fat Percentage in Young Men

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of concurrent training on Vo2max, maximal strength and body fat percentage in young men. 39 healthy young men were randomly divided into three equal number groups (13 subjects/group) including; endurance-resistance concurrent training (ERCT), resistance-endurance concurrent training (RECT) and control (CON). The subjects of ERCT and RECT groups performed endurance and resistance training with the same intensity and duration three times a week for eight weeks. The endurance training program included aerobic training on treadmill from 55 % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) and 25min in the first two weeks to 85% HRmax and 45 minutes in the last two weeks. The resistance training program included free weight training with 50% of 1-RM in first two week to 80% in last two week. The time of training in endurance component was the same as the resistance component of concurrent training. CON group did not participate in any exercise training and did daily routine activities. Estimated VO2max and upper and lower extremities maximal strength and body fat percentage was measured before and 72h after the last training session. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures test was used for statistical analysis. The significant level was set at 0.05 in all statistical analysis. The study results showed a significant increase in VO2max, body fat percentage, lower and upper extremities maximal strength in both ERCT and RECT groups when compared to baseline values (p≤0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the ERCT and RECT groups in any of variables (P≤0.05). According to the results of this study, endurance training before resistance or vice versa during concurrent training did not have significant effect on aerobic power, maximal strength and body fat percentage of untrained healthy men.