Online Circuit Training Increases Adherence to Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Men with Obesity

Abstract

Purpose To examine adherence to the weekly physical activity guidelines; ≥150 minutes of aerobic activities at moderate-to-vigorous intensity and ≥ two session of strength training (yes or no), and health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic for men living with obesity, 46 weeks after being offered an online muscle strengthening circuit program for 12 weeks. Methods Sixty men (age ≥ 19 years) living with obesity (body fat % ≥ 25) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (N = 30) or the control condition (N = 30) for 12 weeks. The intervention group was offered an online CIRCUIT training, three sessions per week, while the control group received a website helping them to reach the physical activity guidelines. Adherence to the weekly physical activity guidelines was evaluated 46 weeks after enrolling in the program using a heart rate tracker (Fitbit Charge 3) and an exercise log. Health outcomes (e.g., anthropometrics, body composition) were measured at baseline and after 12, 24, and 46 weeks. Results Intervention group had higher adherence to physical activity guidelines at 46 weeks (36.8%) than control group (5.3%; p = 0.02). However, no difference in health outcomes was observed between participants in the intervention group compared to the control group after 12, 24, and 46 weeks. Conclusions Increasing adherence to exercise in men living with obesity is challenging. The proposed program increased adherence to the physical activity guidelines after about a year for men living with obesity; however, more studies are needed to understand how to improve health outcomes when following an online delivery exercise program in this population.