Effects of online vs. face-to-face exercise programs on body composition parameters in three Portuguese adult women with obesity: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: The case study aims to assess and compare the effects of a 12-week exercise program delivered online versus in-person on body composition parameters in three Portuguese adult women with obesity. Methods: The study included three adult women with grade II obesity (age, 46 ± 7.81 years; BMI, 35.93 ± 0.75kg/m2). Perimeter and height measurements were collected with a tape measure and stadiometer to the nearest 0.1 cm (cm), respectively. Body composition parameters were assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the TANITA® MC 780. This research was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Évora (no. 22175). Each participant reviewed their program, the participant A (in-person), participant B (online), and participant C (no exercise). Each session comprised three phases: first phase: 5-minute warm-up at 65% of HRmax; second phase: 35 minutes at 75-95% of HRmax, incorporating high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols. If a participant reached failure, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) was introduced. The exercises included 6 exercises of 15 to 25 repetitions for HIFT or 20 second each with a 10-second rest for HIIT. Rest between sets was 1 minute at 65% of HRmax. Intensity and sets varied over weeks: i) weeks 1-4, 2 to 3 sets at 75-85% of HRmax; ii) weeks 5-8, 3 to 5 sets at 85-90% of HRmax; and iii) weeks 9-12, 5 to 7 sets at 90-95% of HRmax, or until fatigue. In the remaining time of the 2nd phase, the MICT protocol was used, maintained at 50-70% of HRmax, in walking form; and third phase: 5-minute active recovery at 65% of HRmax. Both participants (A) and (B) utilized the Polar M430 to monitor their heart rate. Additionally, Participant B was required to submit a video of the exercises performed during the initial session for postural correction. Results: We observed a total body weight loss (%) from pre to post for both participants: Participant A (-8.78%), Participant B (-8.70%), and Participant C (0.23%). The BMI decreased for grade I obesity: (A) 32.40 kg/m², (B) 33.60 kg/m², and (C) remained unchanged. The participant fat mass (%) decreased for (A) -17.03%, for (B) -6.70%, and for (C) -1.23%. The fat-free mass (%) increased for (A) 7.81%, for (B) 5.29%, and for (C) 0.84%. Waist circumference reduced by (A) -18.33%, (B) -11.71%, and (C) -3.85%. Hip perimeter decreased by (A) -4.17%, (B) -12.80%, and increased by (C) 3.42%. Thigh perimeter decreased by (A) -5.80%, (B) -13.89%, and increased by (C) 5.17%. The ratio between waist and hip circumference in Participant (A) decreased from 1 to 0.85, in Participant (B) increased from 0.89 to 0.90, and in Participant (C) also decreased from 0.89 to 0.83. Conclusion: Both exercise programs administered to the participants with obesity led to significant reductions in body composition parameters, encompassing total body weight, fat mass, lean mass, and fat-free mass, when compared to a sedentary control group.