The Impact of Modified Tabata Training on Segmental Fat Accumulation, Muscle Mass, Muscle Thickness, and Physical and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Overweight and Obese Participants: A Randomized Control Trial
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in body fat, muscle mass, muscle thickness, and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese individuals following progressive Tabata training. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to either the Tabata group (four progressive cycles of body-weight high-intensity intermittent training at 75–85% of maximum perceived exertion, 3 days/week for 12 weeks) or the control group. Body composition, muscle thickness, strength and endurance, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured at baseline and after the training period and compared between groups. No changes in body fat percentage and fat mass were found, but the waist-to-hip ratio was lower in the Tabata group (p = 0.043). The muscle mass percentages of the right (p = 0.026) and left legs (p = 0.043) increased, while the muscle thicknesses of the biceps, triceps, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius were increased in the Tabata group (p < 0.05) to a greater extent than in the control group (p < 0.05). Muscle strength and endurance (p < 0.05), as well as VO2peak (p = 0.006), also increased in the Tabata group. Twelve weeks of modified Tabata training effectively increased muscle mass and thickness and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness, although it did not reduce fat mass in overweight and obese participants. The combination of this training with a dietary intervention may have a more obvious impact.
Source: Sports
Authors: Tadsawiya Padkao, Piyapong Prasertsri
Institution: Burapha University
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4408928876