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The-Effects-of-a-Circuit-Training-Program-on-Muscle-Strength-Agility-Anaerobic-Performance-and-Cardiovascular-Endurance

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Wirats Sonchan at Burapha University
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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of a circuit training program on muscle strength, agility, anaerobic performance and cardiovascular endurance. The study involved 24 freshmen (age 18.87+0.68 yr.) male students of the Faculty of Sport Science, Burapha University. They sample study were randomly divided into two groups: Circuit Training group (CT; n=12) and a Control group (C; n=12). Baseline data on height, weight, muscle strength (hand grip dynamometer and leg strength dynamometer), agility (agility T-Test), and anaerobic performance (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test) and cardiovascular endurance (20 m Endurance Shuttle Run Test) were collected. The circuit training program included one circuit of eight stations of 30/60 seconds of work/rest interval with two cycles in Week 1-4, and 60/90 seconds of work/rest interval with three cycles in Week 5-8, performed three times per week. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent sample t-test. Statistically significance level was set at 0.05. The results show that after 8 weeks of a training program, muscle strength, agility, anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance increased significantly in the CT Group (p < 0.05), while significant increase was not observed in the C Group (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the circuit training program improved muscle strength, agility, anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance of the study subjects. This program may be used as a guideline for selecting a set of exercise to improve physical fitness.
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Abstract—This study aimed to examine the effects of a circuit
training program on muscle strength, agility, anaerobic performance
and cardiovascular endurance. The study involved 24 freshmen (age
18.87+0.68 yr.) male students of the Faculty of Sport Science,
Burapha University. They sample study were randomly divided into
two groups: Circuit Training group (CT; n=12) and a Control group
(C; n=12). Baseline data on height, weight, muscle strength (hand
grip dynamometer and leg strength dynamometer), agility (agility T-
Test), and anaerobic performance (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint
Test) and cardiovascular endurance (20 m Endurance Shuttle Run
Test) were collected. The circuit training program included one
circuit of eight stations of 30/60 seconds of work/rest interval with
two cycles in Week 1-4, and 60/90 seconds of work/rest interval with
three cycles in Week 5-8, performed three times per week. Data were
analyzed using paired t-tests and independent sample t-test.
Statistically significance level was set at 0.05. The results show that
after 8 weeks of a training program, muscle strength, agility,
anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance increased
significantly in the CT Group (p < 0.05), while significant increase
was not observed in the C Group (p < 0.05). The results of this study
suggest that the circuit training program improved muscle strength,
agility, anaerobic capacity and cardiovascular endurance of the study
subjects. This program may be used as a guideline for selecting a set
of exercise to improve physical fitness.
Keywords—Cardiovascular endurance, circuit training, physical
fitness, anaerobic performance.
I. INTRODUCTION
OWADAYS, people pay more attention to their health
care. This has resulted in the rapid growth of the health
industry and the establishment of the exercise businesses,
which has increased steadily as well. According to a survey in
2009, the numbers of health and fitness establishments
worldwide were more than 128,000, but in 2015, the number
increased to more than 186,000 [1]. In addition, it is
undeniable that fitness trainers in the workplace are extremely
important because, for one thing, they have to recommend
exercise program guidance to their fitness members. The
Exercise for Health Division, Department of Health, Ministry
W. Sonchan is lecturer of Faculty of Sport Science, Burapha University,
Bangsaen, Chon Buri, 20131 Thailand (corresponding author, phone: 66-
89204-2325; fax: 66-38-390045; e-mail: katoi_17@hotmail.com).
P. Moungmee is Associate Professor at Faculty of Sport Science, Burapha
University, Bangsaen, Chon Buri 20131 Thailand. (e-mail:
pratoom@go.buu.ac.th).
A. Sootmongkol, Assistant Professor, is lecturer of Faculty of Sport
Science, Burapha University, Bangsaen, Chon Buri, 20131 Thailand (e-mail:
aneksoo@buu.ac.th).
of Public Health of Thailand recommends that an exercise
program in a health club requires skillful health personnel in
many aspects such as basic knowledge about health, exercise
testing, programming to ensure success and safety to
exercisers [2]; therefore, institutions that produce graduates to
enter a career in fitness and sports science need to prepare
them as technicians for the job.
The Faculty of Sport Science, Burapha University is an
educational institution that produces graduates in the field of
exercise and sports science to serve the labor market of this
field more than 10 years. This is in accordance to the goal of
our faculty to produce skilled graduates in the field.
Furthermore, graduates need to have the right personality and
physical traits; in other words, they must be positively focused
and look healthy and strong.
During recent years, the circuit training program is a form
of exercise that has become widely used. David et al. [3]
studied the effects of a circuit training program, with and
without motivational interviewing behavioral therapy, on
reducing adiposity and type 2 diabetes risk factors in Latina
teenagers. As part of the study, subjects participated in a
training program twice a week for 16 weeks. The results show
that cardiorespiratory fitness and leg strength increased
significantly, while waist circumference, subcutaneous
adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and fasting insulin and
insulin resistance decrease significantly when compared to the
control group. The study concluded that the circuit training
program may be an effective starter program to reduce fat
depots and to improve insulin resistance in overweight/obese
individuals. In accordance with another study to evaluate the
effects of a circuit training program with a maintenance
program on muscular and cardiovascular endurance in
children, results showed that the circuit training program was
effective in increasing and maintaining both muscular and
cardiovascular endurance in school children [4].
Finally, the advantage of a circuit training program which
combines aerobic exercise and a weight training was proved to
take less time to yield a better fitness result [5]. It is well
accepted that circuit training in general could develop physical
fitness in a diverse group. The aim of the present study was to
examine the effects of a circuit training program on the muscle
strength, agility, and anaerobic performance and
cardiovascular endurance of freshmen students of the Faculty
of Sport Science, Burapha University.
The Effects of a Circuit Training Program on Muscle
Strength, Agility, Anaerobic Performance and
Cardiovascular Endurance
Wirat Sonchan, Pratoom Moungmee, Anek Sootmongkol
N
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences
Vol:11, No:4, 2017
176International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 11(4) 2017 ISNI:0000000091950263
Open Science Index, Sport and Health Sciences Vol:11, No:4, 2017 waset.org/Publication/10007067
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Participants
Participating in the study were 24 healthy male freshman
students with a mean age, height and weight of 18.87+0.67
yrs., 173.95+5.36 cm, and 64.62+9.42 kg, respectively. All
were not currently involved in any form of physical training.
Tests of muscle strength, agility, anaerobic performance, and
aerobic performance were done at pre- and post-training
program. The participants were randomly assigned into two
groups - the Circuit Training Group, CT (n = 12) and the
Control Group, C (n = 12).
B. Circuit Training Program
The experimental group was trained three times a week on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday for eight weeks. The exercise
training program was developed based on the ACSM
recommendation [6]. Briefly, training protocol included a five-
minute warm-up and two rounds - in 28 min - of eight station
circuit training with 30 sec exercise and 60 sec rest at each
station. The circuit stations include battle rope, single-leg hop,
leg raise, barbell squat (22 kg), jump squat, shoulder press (15
lbs dumbbell), triceps dips, and bear crawl, respectively. In the
last four weeks, subjects were trained three rounds of the same
circuit in 42 min, however, with increase rest period to 90 sec
in each station. The training sessions in this phase ended with
a five minutes cool down. The control group maintained their
normal routine, however, and was not involved in any physical
training. Training and data collection were done at the Fitness
Room of Burapha University's Faculty of Sport Science.
TABLE I
CIRCUIT TRAINING PROGRAM AND EQUIPMENT
Exercise Equipment
Battle rope
Single-leg hop
Leg raises
Barbell squat
Jump squat
Shoulder press
Triceps dips
Bear crawl
Battle rope
-
-
Barbell (22 kg)
-
Dumbbell (15lbs.)
-
-
TABLE II
NUMBER OF CYCLES, EXERCISE DURATION, REST PERIOD BETWEEN
STATIONS, REST PERIODS BETWEEN CYCLES AND TOTAL DURATION OF THE
CIRCUIT TRAINING PROGRAM
Weeks Cycles
Exercise
duration
(seconds)
Rest period
between stations
(seconds)
Rest period
between cycles
(seconds)
Total
duration
(minutes)
1-4
5-8
2
3
30
60
60
90
2
2
28
42
C. Pre-Post Testing
1. Muscle Strength Assessment
Grip and leg strength were measured using digital handgrip
dynamometer (Takei T.K.K. 5401 Grip-D Tokyo, Japan) and
digital leg dynamometer (Takei T.K.K. 5402 Back-D Tokyo,
Japan), respectively. The participants perform two maximum
efforts of the dominant hand in the standing position, with the
arms extended by the side of the body with 1-minute rest
between efforts and use the result to be an average [7]. For
measuring leg strength, participants stood with their legs
placed shoulder-width apart on the base of the dynamometer.
The chain on the dynamometer was set with the participants
maintaining a squat position with the knee bent at about 110
degrees, which would mean that their thighs are slightly
higher than parallel to the floor. Reaching down and gripping
the bar, the participants pull the bar up as hard as possible
while trying to extend their legs, while the arms should remain
straight throughout the entire test.
2. Agility Assessment
Agility T-Test was used to measure agility. The participant
stands at the Cone A at the base of the “T”. The researcher
gives the signal to 'Go', and starts the stopwatch and the test
commences. The participant runs to and touches Cone B, side
steps to Cone C and touches it, again side steps to Cone D and
touches it, side steps back again to the Cone B and touches it,
and then runs backwards to the Cone A. The researcher stops
the stopwatch and ends the experiment when the participant
completes the full circuit, and records the time. The
participants perform two maximum efforts (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1 Position and direction of Agility T-Test
3. Anaerobic Performance Assessment
The RAST test was used on the athletic track to assess
anaerobic performance. The test includes six sprint-runs at
maximum speed at a distance of 35 m, with 10 sec rest periods
between each sprint. Prior to commencement of the test, the
participants perform a warm up jog of approximately 10 min
at low intensity, followed by leg stretching. The time is
manually recorded by the researcher and two assistant
researchers, who are positioned at the endpoint of the test in
order to control the recovery time (10 sec). Participants walk
to cool down for 2 min after finishing the test [8]. The
anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity are relevant to the
body mass (W/kg-1) that are assessed from the test.
4. Cardiovascular Endurance Assessment
Cardiovascular endurance was assessed with the 20-meters
shuttle run test. In this particular test, the participant performs
the test in groups of eight and instructed to run back and forth
on a 20 m course at the same time. A sound signal is emitted
from a prerecorded tape. The speed starts at 8.5 km/h-1 and is
then slowly increased at 0.5 km/h-1 each minute. The test
finishes when the participant is unable to maintain a running
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences
Vol:11, No:4, 2017
177International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 11(4) 2017 ISNI:0000000091950263
Open Science Index, Sport and Health Sciences Vol:11, No:4, 2017 waset.org/Publication/10007067
speed to match the pace of the ‘beep’ sound; the number of
completed stages is used to predict the maximal rate of oxygen
uptake [7].
D. Statistical Analysis
Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) for
age, height, body weight, muscle strength, agility, anaerobic
performance and aerobic performance were calculated.
Dependent samples t-test was used to study the differences of
the before and after training variables in both groups
(experimental group and control group) and the independent
sample t-test was used to study the differences of the variables
between groups. All statistical analyses were performed by
using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS for
windows version 20.0). The level for statistical significance
was set at P<0.05 in all test.
III. RESULTS
All data are reported as mean + SD. Pre- and post-
descriptive values of muscle strength, agility, anaerobic
performance and aerobic performance of experimental group
and control group are shown in Table III. All the parameters at
pre-training showed no significant differences between the
experimental group and control group.
TABLE III
MUSCLE STRENGTH, AGILITY, ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE AND AEROBIC
PERFORMANCE OF CIRCUIT TRAINING GROUP (N=12) AND CONTROL GROUP
(N=12)
Variables Circuit training group Control group
Muscle Strength
-Hand Grip (kg/w-1)
Pre-training
Post-training
-Leg Strength (kg/w-1)
Pre-training
Post-training
Agility
-Agility T-Test (sec)
Pre-training
Post-training
Anaerobic Performance
-Anaerobic Power (Watts)
Pre-training
Post-training
-Anaerobic Capacity (Watts)
Pre-training
Post-training
Cardiovascular Endurance
-VO2 max (ml/kg-1/min-1)
Pre-training
Post-training
0.63+0.10
0.71+1.07#*
2.47+0.48
3.01+0.54#*
12.15+0.93
10.97+1.19#*
8.24+1.47
8.31+1.75
5.90+1.05
6.82+1.45#*
46.46+5.55
55.09+6.63#*
0.60+0.10
0.61+1.21
2.30+0.61
2.30+0.78
11.72+0.69
11.96+0.94
8.74+2.05
6.93+1.97*
5.99+1.66
4.50+1.16*
45.79+5.69
43.84+5.57
#significantly different between Pre-training and Post-training
*significantly different between CT and C Group
After eight weeks of the circuit training program, muscle
strength (handgrip strength and leg strength) increased
significantly from 0.63+0.10 kg/w-1 to 0.71+1.07 kg/w-1 only
in the experimental group, and the increase was significantly
higher than the control group; the anaerobic capacity increased
significantly from 5.90+1.05 to 6.82+1.45 watts and the
increase was significantly higher than the control group. The
post-training value of aerobic performance (VO2 max) in the
experimental group was significantly higher than the pre-
training value (46.46+5.55 ml/kg-1/min-1 to 55.09+6.63
ml/kg-1/min-1). The agility score of the experimental group
was lower pre-training (from 12.15+0.93 sec to 10.97+1.19
sec), which signified the improvement. Such improvement
was significantly higher than the control group (p< 0.05).
IV. DISCUSSION
Results showed that after eight week of circuit training
program designed for this study, muscle strength (grip and leg
strength) increased significantly from 0.63+0.10 to 0.71+1.07
kg/w-1, p<0.05 and from 2.47+0.48 to 3.02+0.54 kg/w-1,
p<0.05, respectively. Such increase of both was significantly
higher than the values found in the control group (p<0.05).
The increase in strength was expected since the exercise in
many stations involved resistance such as barbell, dumbbell
and body weight of the subjects. The research yielded a
similar result with that of the study of Schmidt et al. [9]. In
that study, low intensity circuit training plus a high resistance
exercise for 12 weeks in women significantly increased scores
for bench press, knee extension, and muscle endurance of the
subject. Similarly, in the very recent study of Giannaki et al.
[7], teenage boys underwent interval circuit training twice a
week as part of a physical education class and reported
significant increase in muscle strength and high jump ability.
In the experimental group of this study followed by eight
weeks of circuit training, agility, as reflected by running times,
decreased from 12.15+0.93 to 10.97+1.19 sec; the decrease
was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Such improvement in
agility was significant when compared to the score (time) of
the control group. It appears that the circuit training program,
designed in this study, not only increased the muscle strength,
but also the agility of the subjects. Along the same line, Taskin
[10] studied the effects of an eight-station circuit training
session conducted three times per week for 10 weeks on
speed, agility, and aerobic capacity. The results showed
significant improvement for all the parameters studied.
Furthermore, study of Kumar [11] reported a significant
increase in the leg muscle strength and agility of subjects
participating in six station circuit training (exercise for 25 - 35
sec with 20 - 30 sec rest at each station, 2 - 4 sets with a 2 - 3
min rest period between each set for a duration of eight
weeks). The findings of studies suggest there is no doubt that
interval circuit training focusing on agility training will lead to
an increase in agility [11].
The circuit training program in this study appeared to have
no effect on the anaerobic power of the subjects in the
experiment the group (pre-training was 8.24+1.47 and 8.31+
1.75 watts for post-training). However, the anaerobic power of
the experimental group was significantly higher than the value
for the control group (8.31+1.75 vs. 6.95+1.97 watts, p<0.05).
Anaerobic capacity of the experiment group increased
significantly from 5.90+1.05 to 6.82+1.45 watts (p<0.05). The
experimental group showed a significantly higher anaerobic
capacity than the control group (6.82+1.45 vs. 4.50+116 watts,
p<0.05). These results imply that the circuit training program
designed in this study was responsible for an increase in an
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences
Vol:11, No:4, 2017
178International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 11(4) 2017 ISNI:0000000091950263
Open Science Index, Sport and Health Sciences Vol:11, No:4, 2017 waset.org/Publication/10007067
anaerobic capacity found in participants and that an increase in
muscle strength may be responsible for the increase in
anaerobic capacity.
The circuit training program of this study led to a
significant increase in VO2 max of the experimental group
(increase from 46.46+5.55 to 55.09+6.63 ml/kg-1/min-1,
p<0.05), while in the control group, VO2max showed a small
drop at post-training; however, the drop was not statistically
significant.
Even though the training activity at each station was
primarily anaerobic exercise, increased aerobic performance
was recorded. The results support the theory that repeated
anaerobic training over a period of time (in this study - 8
weeks) could result in an increase in aerobic performance as
reflected by the increase in VO2 max value found in this study.
Furthermore, repeated anaerobic exercise could lead to a
reduction in fat deposits. These findings yielded similar results
with many studies [5], [7], [9], [12]. Finally, the findings in
this study imply that interval circuit training, involving work
and rest interval with a focus on anaerobic training with
resistance, i.e. with resistance and done repeatedly for a long
period of time, is an effective way to improve both aerobic
and anaerobic performance that form the foundation of health-
related physical fitness.
V. CONCLUSION
It may be concluded from the existing data that the circuit
training program of this study improved some physical fitness
parameters, i.e., muscle strength, agility and cardiovascular
endurance of the young college students. The training program
could be used to improve physical fitness of the young college
students.
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World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences
Vol:11, No:4, 2017
179International Scholarly and Scientific Research & Innovation 11(4) 2017 ISNI:0000000091950263
Open Science Index, Sport and Health Sciences Vol:11, No:4, 2017 waset.org/Publication/10007067
... Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Circuit Training method in enhancing endurance capabilities [10,11,12]. Similar studies have focused on the application of the circuit method to improve the physical abilities of athletes in specific sports [13,14]. ...
... Circuit training consists of a series of systematic exercises performed at various stations, each with a predetermined training dose and duration. These exercises are tailored to meet the individual needs of athletes and typically involve 5 to 8 stations [11,15,16]. ...
... Similarly, Bhat [23] noted substantial enhancements in athletes' agility following circuit training. Furthermore, Sonchan [11] conducted an eight-week circuit training program, involving three sessions per week with eight stations, which also demonstrated notable improvements in both agility and aerobic performance of athletes. Specifically, the findings of this study focus on enhancing both the reactive agility and aerobic abilities of table tennis athletes, which distinguishes this research from previous studies that primarily address general agility improvements [23]. ...
Effects of circuit training method on reactive agility and endurance in table tennis players
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Background and Study AimReactive agility and aerobic endurance are crucial physical components for athletes’ success in both competitions and training. However, traditional training programs often fail to simultaneously address both components effectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a training type using the circuit method to improve reactive agility and aerobic endurance.Material and MethodsThis research is an experimental study employing a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants were fourteen junior male athletes aged 15 to 17 years. The training program was conducted three times a week for six weeks and included eight different exercises. The instruments used were table tennis reactive agility measuring devices and the beep test for assessing aerobic endurance. Data were analyzed using the paired sample T-test.ResultsThe results of the data normality test showed a significance value (Sig.) greater than 0.05, indicating that the data were normally distributed and suitable for further analysis. Subsequent testing for the effectiveness of the exercise regimen using the paired sample T-test revealed significant improvements: reactive agility and aerobic endurance both achieved a p-value of 0.000.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that circuit training, involving eight types of exercises, significantly improved the athletes’ reactive agility and aerobic capacity. Specifically, there was a notable average increase in both reactive agility and aerobic capacity following the training regimen. These results underscore the potential benefits of employing the circuit training method with eight diverse exercises to enhance performance in table tennis athletes Keywords:reactive agility, aerobic, table tennis, circuit training
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... Circuit training is a form of body conditioning that involves resistance training and high-intensity aerobics. Besides, the results of circuit training will simultaneously increase muscle strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility (Gopinathan, 2019;Sonchan et al., 2017;Yuliandra et al., 2020). ...
... Furthermore, Circuit Training significantly enhances VO2max values when provided with adequate training (Sonchan et al., 2017). Circuit training (CT) has been shown to be effective in enhancing aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, improving body composition, increasing flexibility, and elevating muscle endurance (Firmansyah et al., 2024;Ramos-Campo et al., 2021). ...
... Circuit training (CT) has been shown to be effective in enhancing aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, improving body composition, increasing flexibility, and elevating muscle endurance (Firmansyah et al., 2024;Ramos-Campo et al., 2021). It is asserted that combining CT with aerobic exercise and weight training has been shown to improve physical fitness (Alcaraz et al., 2008;Sonchan et al., 2017). ...
Comparative Analysis of Adaptations Progress in VO2max, Leg Power, and Agility among Male and Female Sports Science Students
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Full-text available
  • Jun 2024
The strength and conditioning program has emerged as a widely adopted, structured exercise intervention aimed at enhancing muscle strength, endurance, speed, power, flexibility, and physical function, all while mitigating the risk of injuries. Several studies, however, have assessed strength and conditioning interventions in general for sports science students at the university. Objectives: Therefore, this study aims to explore the differential effects of a strength and conditioning program incorporating a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max, leg power, and agility applied to male and female sports science students. Material and Methods: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest setup spanning from July to October 2022, the study consisted of 8 microcycles (8 weeks) comprising 24 sessions, where each microcycle included 2 active rest days (recovery run). A total of 63 students with bachelor’s degrees in sports science who have recently enrolled as freshmen in the Faculty of Sports Science (n = 39 men; n = 24 women; aged = 18-20 years; mass (kg) man and women = 60 ± 7 and 51 ± 6, Height (cm) men and women = 172 ± 4 and 158 ± 3, and not trained athletes) were selected through purposive sampling and provided informed consent in the present study. Pre- and post-measurements were conducted using the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), standing broad jump test, and the Illinois agility run test. Descriptive and inferential data analyses (differential pre and post-test using the Wilcoxon test) were performed using SPSS 25 software. Results: Our findings reveal significant improvements in VO2max and leg power following the implementation of a strength and conditioning program that combines circuit training with continuous running for males (from 35.76±5.94 to 41.99±5.35 and 2.175±0.23 to 2.30±0.25, respectively: P<0.05). Meanwhile, for females, (25.97 ± 2.78 to 31.10 ± 3.09; 1.66±0.24 to 1.72±0.17; P<0.05). However, the study does not identify a significant improvement in agility for both male and female participants (17.90±0.95 to 17.69±0.87; P>0.05 and 20.13 ± 1.17 to 19.89 ± 1.19; P>0.05). Conclusions: This investigation provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of an integrated strength and conditioning program using a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max and Leg power, for both males and females. Although there were no significant improvements in agility for either males or females, there was an increase in overall averages. The results offer implications for optimizing physical performance and refining training protocols. Therefore, the combination of Continuous Run (CR), circuit training (CT), and Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) has proven to be a practical strategy for enhancing VO2max and leg power. This is particularly relevant for coaches seeking to diversify exercise variations that can be applied to sports science students in the future Keywords: Strength and Conditioning, Circuit Training, Continuous Run, VO2max, Leg Power, Agility, Sports Science Students
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... These reveal that the leg explosive strength performance of female students in the experimental group, could be improved using the 8 weeks circuit training. The finding of this study is in agreements with investigation carried out by (Sonchan et al., 2017). The study states that leg explosive strength could be improved by circuit training at varied numbers of weeks. ...
... This result is in consistence with the investigations conducted on the effect of circuit training muscular fitness as in the reports (Sonchan et al., 2017). ...
Effect of Circuit Training Intervention on the Muscular Fitness Ability of 13 to 15 Years Old Female Students
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2023
Introduction: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of circuit training on the muscular fitness abilities of 13 to 15 years old female students.  Methods: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design for eight weeks. Thirty female students were selected as subjects of this study and they were selected using s lottery system of simple random methods. The measure of muscular endurance and muscular strength of the participants of the study was recorded instantly preceding and following the 8-week of circuit training intervention. The study was established the mean along with standard deviation using a paired sample T-test. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) was used to carry out all of the statistical data analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.  Result: The study was discovered that circuit training experiences a significant change on leg explosive strength (35.67±3.84 and 38.60±3.24 squat) of circuit group but not (37.67±3.28 and 37.87±3.38 squat) control group. It also improves abdominal muscle endurance (18.64 ± 2.846 and 22.93±4.873 sit ups in 1 minute) of experimental group but not (21.11±6.249 and 21.58±5.610 sit up in 1 minute) control group. It also improves core muscle strength and endurance (76.20±32.00 and 79.87±34.90 second) of circuit group but not (76.20±32.005 and 76.36±31.87 second) control group.  Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that a circuit training intervention was successfully improving muscular endurance and muscular strength of female students. This could support school teachers in specific physical education teachers to arrange circuit training schedule in the schools to improve schoolchildren's muscular endurance and muscular strength.
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... It turns out that this exercise can equally improve the ability [29]. Researchers found in some research reviews that various exercises to increase VO2max can be performed by using a treadmill and running at speed [30], a 15-minute running exercise [31], the fartlek method [32][33][34][35], circuit training [20,36], and smallsided games exercises to increase VO2Max [37][38][39][40]. ...
... The circuit training method develops strength and endurance [48]. According to [36], the circuit training program increased the research subjects' muscular strength, agility, anaerobic capacity, and cardiovascular endurance. Circuit training incorporating aerobic and anaerobic exercise synergises cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness [49]. ...
The effect of circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games on maximum oxygen consumption capacity building in futsal players
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2023
Purpose : This research aims to assess the effect of circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games on futsal players' maximum oxygen consumption capacity. Material and methods. This research was carried out at the Upik Indoor Futsal Banjarmasin field from May to June. The treatment consists of 16 meetings held three times a week. This research applies a random pre- and post-test control group design. Players from the FFC BSM Junior Futsal Club make up the population. The results. As a result of the employment of sampling formulas and inclusion and exclusion criteria, forty individuals were included in this study. The adopted instrument is a multistage fitness test with a validity of 0.408 and reliability of 0.875. Data analysis using the help of SPSS includes normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis tests. The findings of this study's normality test indicated that the mean of each group achieved a significance level of > 0.05. Therefore it can be assumed that the data were normally distributed. Meanwhile, the homogeneity test results got a significance value of > 0.05, which can be considered homogeneous or the same data. This study showed that the three training groups showed a significant increase in the maximum oxygen consumption capacity of futsal players by obtaining a significance value of < 0.05. In contrast, the control group got a significance value of > 0.197, and It can be concluded that there was no significant influence. The study also showed that small-sided game training groups improved better than circuit training groups, fartlek groups, and control groups. The increase obtained from the small-sided games group, judging from the average difference value of the small-sided games training group, increased by 4.11, the circuit training group increased by 3.71, the fartlek group increased by 3.78, and the control group increased by 0.48. Conclusion. Thus, it can be concluded that circuit training, fartlek, and small-sided games positively impact the improvement maximum oxygen consumption capacity in futsal players. However, the small-sided game training methods group found the greatest improvement in training methods in this study.
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... This study was not examined muscular strength and flexibility. Another study was done on the effects of a circuit training program on muscle strength, agility, anaerobic performance, and cardiovascular endurance [9] but, this study does not examine muscular endurance and flexibility. The study aimed to examine the effects of a circuit training program on muscle strength, agility, anaerobic performance, and cardiovascular endurance. ...
... To be an effective and productive practice, freshman students are required to be fit and active physically and mentally. If that is so, circuit training exercises are a method, and smart interventions to enhance the condition quality of muscular strength, speed, and agility are very necessary [9] . Thus,this study helped us to identify whether or not the chosen circuit training on the development of aerobic fitness, muscular strength, agility, and speed or not. ...
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... HICT improves agility performance by increasing cardiovascular fitness. Maintaining the highintensity demands of agility drills necessitates good aerobic capacity, which assists the body in minimising tiredness and maintaining performance throughout the workout session [37]. Circuit training with high intensity enhances cognitive performance, particularly decisionmaking and response quickness [13]. ...
Effectiveness of High-Intensity Circuit Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized-Controlled and Non-Controlled Trials
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
Background and Aim of the Study: The continuous evolution of sports and athletics necessitates innovative training strategies to optimize athletes’ performance and physical fitness. High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) has emerged as a time-efficient method that combines high-intensity exercises with minimal rest, targeting various muscle groups to enhance physical fitness components. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HICT on physical fitness components among athletes to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of HICT’s benefits and limitations. Material and Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed, retrieving articles published before September 24, 2023, from databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that assessed the impact of HICT on athletes’ physical fitness. The quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and data synthesis was conducted to summarize findings on various physical fitness components. Results: The review included 13 studies, highlighting HICT’s positive effects on muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, power, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance. Improvements were noted in neuromuscular efficiency, muscle power, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, which are crucial for athletic performance. However, the review also identified variability in training adaptations and the need for sport-specific exercises to maximize the benefits of HICT for speed and power enhancements. Conclusions: HICT is a versatile and effective training modality that can significantly improve various aspects of athletes’ physical fitness. Incorporating targeted, sport-specific exercises into HICT programs could further optimize performance enhancements. Despite promising findings, the review acknowledges methodological heterogeneity among studies and calls for further research to refine HICT protocols for athletes.
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... The key characteristic of circuit training is the successive performance of many anaerobic exercises usually with little or no rest in between aiming at producing cardiovascular training effects [1,2] . It is widely embraced due to its time efficiency and use of lighter loads in the program [3] . ...
Improving athletic abilities: The role of circuit training in student populations
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2024
This study investigates the impact of circuit training on sprint agility and explosive power, with a focus on motion and action velocity. The research explores the interplay between strength and speed training, particularly in male subjects, aiming to discern the effects of intrasession sequencing on speed, explosive strength, and power development. The study involves 30 boys aged 14 to 17, utilizing circuit training (CT) with an experimental group and a control group. The results demonstrate significant improvements in the experimental group's 50m dash and explosive power, highlighting the efficacy of CT in enhancing sprinting capabilities and explosiveness. The findings contribute valuable insights into the nuanced correlation between intrasession sequencing and physiological adaptations in concurrent strength and speed training for males. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of incorporating CT into fitness and training programs to enhance speed and explosive power. Introduction The key characteristic of circuit training is the successive performance of many anaerobic exercises usually with little or no rest in between aiming at producing cardiovascular training effects [1, 2]. It is widely embraced due to its time efficiency and use of lighter loads in the program [3]. Commonly, the settings of the group exercise embrace the free-weight circuit weight training classes, designating an increase in aerobic capacity, body composition, as well as muscular strength and endurance [4, 5]. The speed, flexibility, skill, endurance, and strength are all among the basic elements of fitness in any sport [6]. For the elite athletes, development for each component interrelates as part of the competition preparation [7]. In athletics especially, in the field sports reliant on the short distance running speed, speed and acceleration are pivotal qualities [8, 9]. Maximal speed actions classifies into maximal speed, acceleration or sprint-agility [10]. Agility-defined as the ability of fast change in direction and to begin and stop quickly assumes his significance in the context [11]. More specifically, there can be muscle fatigue resulting from repeated exposure to movements during any given match and hence the need for muscular endurance exercises as an additive within the strength training program of a player [12, 13]. The stride frequency, stride length, speed endurance, and movement efficiency were some of the physical components that determined running speed [14, 15]. Traditional methods in increasing sprint performance were general, velocity-specific, and movement-specific strength training [16]. The repetition number is a crucial variable, impacting the number of repetitions achievable at a given intensity [17]. This variable is intrinsic to the repetition continuum wherein magnitude and loading dictates the spectrum of repetitions, hence this dictates the associated outcomes on strength development [18]. In this context, the present study aims to delve into how much sprint-agility and anaerobic endurance can be improved through motion and action velocity-focused circuit training [19]. Other than this, a notable purpose of the paper is to explore how variation in velocity while exercising in a resistance training bout under accepted loading conditions can affect repetition range especially when speed is largely decreased for exercise.
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... However, the results can be better if the low motor is given conventional weight training. These results confirm earlier research revealing circuit training programs can increase muscle strength (Giannaki et al., 2015;Schmidt et al., 2015;Sonchan et al., 2017). Circuit resistance training is a time-saving exercise modality that aims to develop skeletal muscle and cardiovascular fitness (Kolahdouzi et al., 2018). ...
Effect of weight training and motor skills on muscle strength: A factorial experimental design
Article
  • Jun 2023
Problem Statement and Purpose. Previous studies have discussed various methods of weight training to increase muscle strength. However, very limited studies involve motor skills to obtain better results. This study aims to analyze group differences in weight training by considering the level of motor skills on the results of leg muscle strength. The group in weight training consisted of the circuit and conventionalsystems, while motor skills were classified into high and low. Methods. This study used a two-way factorial experimental design involving 36 young men aged 20.03 ± 0.51 years. Weight training was given ± 6 weeks with the frequency of 3 times per week. The intensity and training load addition was 75% of 10 RM. Weight training with a circuit system consisted of 9 stations, 10 repetitions, 3 sets (1 set equals 9 completed stations). The rest between stations was 20 seconds, and between sets was 2 minutes. In conventional weight training, each exercise was performed in 1 place, 10 repetitions, and 3 sets in the same place. The rest between sets was 2 minutes. Then it moved to the next exercise in the same way. Data on motor skills and leg muscle strength were obtained from the Barrow motor ability and leg dynamometer tests. Then, it was analyzed using a two-way factorial ANOVA test and Tukey's further test. Results. These findings indicated that the results of leg muscle strength given weight training with a circuit system were better than the conventional one (P < 0.05), with an average of 74.56 > 71.72. The research also found an interaction between weight training and motor skills on leg muscle strength (P < 0.05). Weight training with a circuit system was better than conventional for high motor skills (P < 0.05), with an average of 78.22 > 70.44. Weight training with circuit and conventional systems did not differ significantly for low motor skills (P > 0.05), with an average of 70.89 < 73.00. Conclusions. High motor skills are more suitable for weight training with a circuit system, while low motor skills can be given both forms of training. However, the results will be better if given conventionally. Therefore, instructors, practitioners, and athletes must consider motor skills in weight training to produce optimal leg muscle strength.
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... The circuit training program has become a popular fitness method in recent years (Sonchan et al., 2017).A very popular and productive method of exercising is called circuit training (Ravi, 2023). The circuit includes several exercises, usually nine to twelve, selected to improve the general muscular condition, and circulatory and respiratory response (Adamson & Morgan, 1956). ...
PROSPECTIVE EFFECTS OF LADDER TRAINING AND CIRCUIT TRAINING ON THE STRENGTH ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE OF BOYS STUDENTS
Article
  • May 2023
Objectives: To determine the prospective effects of ladder training and circuit training on the strength endurance performance of boys students. Design: The students were divided randomly into 3 groups' circuit training (CT; n = 15), ladder training (LT; n = 15) and control group (CG; n = 15). Setting: The three groups did not significantly (p > 0.05) after randomisation in the dependent variable. The data obtained from the subjects are analysed statistically by applying analysis covariance (ANACOVA) at a 0.05 level of significance.Participants: 45 boys students were chosen age: 15.9±1.6 years; body height: 172.9±6.3 cm; body mass: 68.3 7±5.1 kg; BMI: 23.08±2.7 to take part in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Abdominal strength and endurance performance were assessed using sit-ups.Results: The study's findings indicated that 12 weeks of circuit training increased abdominal strength and endurance performance by 48.3% and that ladder training increased abdominal strength and endurance performance by 28.4%.Conclusions: The circuit training method can improve abdominal strength and endurance performance.
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Effect of Varied Intensity of Football Specific Circuit Training on Agility, Speed and Explosive Strength among U-17 Football Players in Ethiopia
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2021
Objective: The purpose ofthis study was to examine the effect of high intensity and moderate intensityfootball specific circuit training on selected motor fitness variables among football players in Ethiopia.Method: For the purpose of this study random group design was implemented. To achieve this objective60 football players were taken as the subjects of the study. These subjects were distributed in to three highintensity football specific circuit training group (N1=20), moderate intensity football specific circuit traininggroup (N2=20) and control group (N=20) using random sampling technique. The high intensity footballspecific circuit training group and moderate intensity football specific circuit training group were engagedin high intensity football specific circuit training and moderate intensity football specific circuit trainingrespectively. The selected variables were agility, explosive strength and speed. The data was collected usingthe standardized tests such as zigzag run test for Agility, 30 meter speed test for Speed and Standing longjump test for Explosive strength.. The data was analyzed using ANCOVA and bonefferani post hoc test forpaired mean comparison when significant difference exists.Result: Our finding indicated that the HICT group increased significantly in agility, explosive strengthand speed than the control group with a mean difference made (-.743, P=.000), .(360, P=.000) and (-.725,P=.000) respectively. The MICT group also showed significant difference on speed, explosive strength andspeed than the control group with a mean difference made (-.562, P=.000), (.236, P=.000) and (-.367, P=.000)respectively. Moreover the difference made between the HICT group and MICT group on explosive strengthand speed was significant with a mean difference made (.125, P=.000) and (-.358, P=.000) respectively.Whereas the HICT group and MICT group didn’t show significant difference on their agility with a meandifference of (-.180, P = .099).Conclusion: From the finding we concluded that the intensity of circuit training is very crucial for themagnitude of adaptation in circuit training. Thus for the effectiveness of circuit training the plan of trainersor coaches should seriously consider the intensity to bring the intended or required changes.
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Effect of circuit training program on selected motor abilities among university male
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2016
The purpose of present study was to find out the effect of circuit training on selected motor abilities among university male students. For the purpose of the study total 60 boys, age ranged from 18 to 25 years were selected as subjects from the Department of Physical Education (T), Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab (India). The subjects were purposively divided into two groups: Group-A: Experimental (N1=30) and Group-B: Control (N2=30). All the subjects were informed about the aim and methodology of the study. The subjects from Group-A were subjected to 8-week of Circuit Training Program. Group-B acted as control who did not participate any special training apart from the regular curricular activities. The training program starts with warm up exercises for 10 minutes (jogging, slow space running, stretching exercises etc.), then Sit ups (lower abdominals), pushups, Squat jumps, Compass jumps, Astride jumps, Shuttle runs were selected for the main training schedule. Volume and intensity: Experimental group performed 20 to 30seconds work on each exercise with a 20 to 30 seconds recovery. They performed 2 to 4 sets with a 2 to 3 minutes recovery between each set. T-test was used to find out the statistical significances of each age groups pre and post mean differences. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 level of confidence. The results of the study stated that the Circuit Training had significantly improved the speed, leg power, arm power and agility of the subjects.
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Validity of the RAST for evaluating anaerobic power performance as compared to Wingate test in cycling athletes
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2013
The validity of the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) was investigated to evaluate the anaerobic power performance in comparison to Wingate test in cycling athletes. Ten mountain-bike male cyclists (28.0±7.3 years) randomly performed Wingate Test and RAST with two trials each. After several anthropometric measurements, peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and fatigue index (FI) for RAST and Wingate Test were analyzed using Student’s paired t-test, Pearson’s linear correlation test (r) and Bland and Altman’s plots. Results showed that, with the exception of FI (33.8±4.6% vs. 37.8±7.9%; r=0.172), significant differences were detected between the Wingate and RAST tests with regard to PP and MP. Although there was a low correlation for PP and MP, or rather, 0.831 and 0.714 respectively, agreement of analysis between Wingate and RAST protocols was low. The above suggested that RAST was not appropriate to evaluate the performance of anaerobic power by Wingate test in cycling athletes.
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Effects of a Circuit Training Program on Muscular and Cardiovascular Endurance and their Maintenance in Schoolchildren
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2013
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a circuit training program along with a maintenance program on muscular and cardiovascular endurance in children in a physical education setting. Seventy two children 10-12 years old from four different classes were randomly grouped into either an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 37) (two classes for each group). After an eight-week development program carried out twice a week and a four-week detraining period, the experimental group performed a four-week maintenance program once a week. The program included one circuit of eight stations of 15/45 to 35/25 seconds of work/rest performed twice. Abdominal muscular endurance (sit-ups in 30 seconds test), upper-limbs muscular endurance (bent arm hang test), and cardiovascular endurance (20-m endurance shuttle run test) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the development program, and at the end of the maintenance program. After the development program, muscular and cardiovascular endurance increased significantly in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The gains obtained remained after the maintenance program. The respective values did not change in the control group (p > 0.05). The results showed that the circuit training program was effective to increase and maintain both muscular and cardiovascular endurance among schoolchildren. This could help physical education teachers design programs that permit students to maintain fit muscular and cardiovascular endurance levels.
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Impact of Resistance Circuit Training on Neuromuscular, Cardiorespiratory and Body Composition Adaptations in the Elderly
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2013
Declines in maximal aerobic power and skeletal muscle force production with advancing age are examples of functional declines with aging, which can severely limit physical performance and independence, and are negatively correlated with all cause mortality. It is well known that both endurance exercise and resistance training can substantially improve physical fitness and health-related factors in older individuals. Circuit-based resistance training, where loads are lifted with minimal rest, may be a very effective strategy for increasing oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation, strength, and functional capacity while improving body composition. In addition, circuit training is a time-efficient exercise modality that can elicit demonstrable improvements in health and physical fitness. Hence, it seems reasonable to identify the most effective combination of intensity, volume, work to rest ratio, weekly frequency and exercise sequence to promote neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory and body composition adaptations in the elderly. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarize and update knowledge about the effects of circuit weight training in older adults and elderly population, as a starting point for developing future interventions that maintain a higher quality of life in people throughout their lifetime.
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Physical Performance and Cardiovascular Responses to an Acute Bout of Heavy Resistance Circuit Training versus Traditional Strength Training
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2008
  • J STRENGTH COND RES
Circuit training effectively reduces the time devoted to strength training while allowing an adequate training volume to be achieved. Nonetheless, circuit training has traditionally been performed using relatively low loads for a relatively high number of repetitions, which is not conducive to maximal muscle size and strength gain. This investigation compared physical performance parameters and cardiovascular load during heavy-resistance circuit (HRC) training to the responses during a traditional, passive rest strength training set (TS). Ten healthy subjects (age, 26 +/- 1.6 years; weight, 80.2 +/- 8.78 kg) with strength training experience volunteered for the study. Testing was performed once weekly for 3 weeks. On day 1, subjects were familiarized with the test and training exercises. On the subsequent 2 test days, subjects performed 1 of 2 strength training programs: HRC (5 sets x (bench press + leg extensions + ankle extensions); 35-second interset rest; 6 repetition maximum [6RM] loads) or TS (5 sets x bench press; 3-minute interset rest, 6RM loads). The data confirm that the maximum and average bar velocity and power and the number of repetitions performed of the bench press in the 2 conditions was the same; however, the average heart rate was significantly greater in the HRC compared to the TS condition (HRC = 129 +/- 15.6 beats x min(-1), approximately 71% maximum heart rate (HRmax), TS = 113 +/- 13.1 beats x min(-1), approximately 62% HRmax; P < 0.05). Thus, HRC sets are quantitatively similar to traditional strength training sets, but the cardiovascular load is substantially greater. HRC may be an effective training strategy for the promotion of both strength and cardiovascular adaptations.
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An eight week school-based intervention with circuit training improves physical fitness and reduces body fat in male adolescents
Article
  • Sep 2015
Aim: School-based intervention programs have been found to effectively improve various fitness and health parameters. However, only few studies so far examined the effect of circuit training in school environment during physical education (PE) classes. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of an eight-week circuit training on physical fitness and body fat in male adolescents. Methods: Thirty nine, 16-year old male high-school students participated in the current study. The students were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention period lasted eight weeks and consisted of two circuit training sessions per week performed during regular PE classes. Total body fat was calculated by using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical fitness parameters such as cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, jumping ability and isometric arm strength were assessed through a battery of field tests. Finally, resting heart rate and blood pressure levels were assessed with an automatic monitor. Results: By the end of the intervention period, total body fat and resting systolic blood pressure were significantly lower while cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly improved in the circuit training group only ( p < 0.05). In the control group body mass index and total body fat percentage were significantly increased when compared pre- and post-intervention period (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Eight weeks of circuit training during PE classes appeared to be effective in improving various physical fitness parameters and reducing fatness in male adolescents.
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The effect of high-intensity circuit training on physical fitness
Article
  • May 2015
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a high-intensity circuit training regimen, using only body weight as resistance, on physical fitness. Ninety-six recreationally active college aged subjects (53 female, 43 male) completed the study. Following baseline testing for height and weight, body composition, aerobic fitness, muscle strength and muscle endurance, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 7-minute circuit training (CT-7), 14-minute circuit training (CT-14), and a non-training control group (C). Subjects in the CT-7 group (females, n=17; males, n=15) were asked to complete a seven minute circuit training workout for eight weeks (three workouts per week). The CT-14 group (females, n=15; males, n=13) followed the same protocol as CT-7 through the first four weeks. For the second four weeks they increased exercise time to 14 minutes with the same 7 minute circuit performed twice consecutively. Subjects in group C (females, n=21; males, n=15) maintained their normal activity levels throughout the course of the study. RESULTS : There were no significant differences between the groups for any variables tested prior to the exercise intervention. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed statistically significant improvements in muscular endurance (push-ups) for both male and female subjects in the CT-7 and CT-14 groups. Males in the two exercising groups also showed improvement in muscular strength while aerobic capacity increased for females in the CT-14 group. CONCLUSION : These results suggest that short duration, high intensity circuit training may improve muscle endurance in moderately fit populations. Slight improvements that are gender specific may also be observed in muscle strength as well as aerobic fitness.
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Startup Circuit Training Program Reduces Metabolic Risk in Latino Adolescents
Article
  • Apr 2011
  • MED SCI SPORT EXER
This study aimed to test the effects of a circuit training (CT; aerobic + strength training) program, with and without motivational interviewing (MI) behavioral therapy, on reducing adiposity and type 2 diabetes risk factors in Latina teenagers. Thirty-eight Latina adolescents (15.8 ± 1.1 yr) who are overweight/obese were randomly assigned to control (C; n = 12), CT (n = 14), or CT + MI (n = 12). The CT classes were held twice a week (60-90 min) for 16 wk. The CT + MI group also received individual or group MI sessions every other week. The following were measured before and after intervention: strength by one-repetition maximum; cardiorespiratory fitness (V·O 2max) by submaximal treadmill test; physical activity by accelerometry; dietary intake by records; height, weight, waist circumference; total body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and hepatic fat fraction by magnetic resonance imaging; and glucose/insulin indices by fasting blood draw. Across-intervention group effects were tested using repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons. CT and CT + MI participants, compared with controls, significantly increased fitness (+16% and +15% vs -6%, P = 0.03) and leg press (+40% vs +20%, P = 0.007). Compared with controls, CT participants also decreased waist circumference (-3% vs +3%; P < 0.001), subcutaneous adipose tissue (-10% vs 8%, P = 0.04), visceral adipose tissue (-10% vs +6%, P = 0.05), fasting insulin (-24% vs +6%, P = 0.03), and insulin resistance (-21% vs -4%, P = 0.05). CT may be an effective starter program to reduce fat depots and improve insulin resistance in Latino youth who are overweight/obese, whereas the additional MI therapy showed no additive effect on these health outcomes.
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Effect of Circuit Training on the Sprint-Agility and Anaerobic Endurance
Article
  • Sep 2009
  • J STRENGTH COND RES
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of circuit training directed toward motion and action velocity over the sprint-agility and anaerobic endurance. A total of 32 healthy male physical education students with a mean age of 23.92 +/- 1.51 years were randomly allocated into a circuit training group (CTG; n = 16) and control group (CG; n = 16). A circuit training consisting of 8 stations was applied to the subjects 3 days a week for 10 weeks. Circuit training program was executed with 75% of maximal motion numbers in each station. The FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) test battery, which was designed by FIFA, was used for measuring sprint-agility and anaerobic endurance. Pre- and posttraining testing of participants included assessments of sprint-agility and anaerobic endurance. Following training, there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in sprint-agility between pre- and posttesting for the CTG (pretest = 14.76 +/- 0.48 seconds, posttest = 14.47 +/- 0.43 seconds). Also, there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in anaerobic endurance between pre- and posttesting for the CG (pretest = 31.53 +/- 0.48 seconds, posttest = 30.73 +/- 0.50 seconds). In conclusion, circuit training, which is designed to be performed 3 days a week during 10 weeks of training, improves sprint-agility and anaerobic endurance.
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Total number of health and fitness clubs worldwide
  • Jan 2009
  • Statista
Statista.com (hompage on the Internet). Total number of health and fitness clubs worldwide 2009 to 2015. (cited 2016 Jan 11). Available from:http://www.statista.com/statistics/275056/total-number-of-healthclubs-worldwide/