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First published in Frontiers in Physiology, v16 (2025) published by Frontiers Media S.A. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1527171

Document Type

Article

Publication Version

Published Version

Keywords

bodyweight exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, enjoyment, interval training, muscular strength, obesity, self-efficacy

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Frontiers in Physiology

Volume

16

First Page

1

Last Page

10

Abstract

Purpose: Determine the impact of a 6-week YouTube-instructed bodyweight interval training (BW-IT) program on cardiometabolic health, muscular strength, and factors related to exercise adherence in adults with obesity. Methods: Fourteen adults (30.7 ± 10.3 yrs, BMI 35.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2) participated in this study. The BW-IT program progressed bi-weekly from a 1:3 to 1:1 work-to-rest ratio, using maximum effort intervals of high knees, squat jumps, scissor jacks, jumping lunges, and burpees. Pre- and post-intervention measures included peak oxygen consumption ( (Formula presented.) O2peak), relative quadriceps isometric muscular strength, waist circumference (WC), body composition via bioelectrical impedance, and cardiometabolic blood markers (blood glucose, insulin, lipid panel, and C-reactive protein). Self-efficacy (task and scheduling) and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were also assessed. Results: Relative isometric muscular strength increased by 12.5% (p = 0.02, dz 0.4) and absolute (Formula presented.) O2peak by 4.2% (p = 0.03, dz = 0.2). WC reduced by 2.1% (p < 0.001, dz = 0.2). Task self-efficacy was similar pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.53, dz = 0.2), while scheduling self-efficacy was reduced (p < 0.004, dz = 1.1). PACES scores were 9.6% higher week one compared to week six of BW-IT (p = 0.003, dz = 0.6). No changes occurred in body composition or cardiometabolic blood markers. Conclusion: In previously inactive adults with obesity, 18 sessions of YouTube-instructed bodyweight interval training elicited small to moderate effects on lower extremity muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and waist circumference. Future studies may benefit from longer interventions and adding a greater variety of calisthenics to determine interventions that improve physiological health and maintain or enhance factors associated with exercise adherence.

Department

Department of Kinesiology and Athletic Training

Original Publication Date

4-3-2025

Object Description

1 PDF File

DOI of published version

10.3389/fphys.2025.1527171

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright

©2025 The Author(s)

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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