Effects of a 12-Week Recreational Soccer Program on Resting Metabolic Rate Among Adolescents with Obesity

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the chronic effects of a 12-week recreational soccer program (RSP) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Eighteen adolescents with obesity were assigned to RSP [n = 10, age = 13.8 ± 1.5 years, body mass index (BMI) = 30.7 ± 5 kg/m²] and control (n = 8, age = 14.9 ± 1.4 years, BMI = 32.5 ± 4.1 kg/m²) groups. Participants underwent anthropometric, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and RMR assessments at baseline and post-intervention. The 12-week RSP consisted of small-sided games with 60-min performed 3 times per week.

Results

Post-intervention, between-group differences due to RSP emerged for body mass (Δ: − 15.1 kg, P = 0.043), BMI (Δ: − 4.7 kg, P = 0.05), waist and hip circumferences (Δ: − 14.6 and − 16.6 cm, P = 0.015 and P = 0.017, respectively), fat mass (Δ: − 8.7 kg, P = 0.049) and VO_2max (Δ: 5.5 mL/kg/min, P = 0.013). No significant differences were detected for the absolute and adjusted RMR for fat mass and fat-free mass at baseline and after 12 weeks for both RSP and control groups, although a marked downward trend of 27.6% for adjusted RMR was observed post-control (1915 vs. 1386 kcal/day; Δ: − 529 kcal/day).

Conclusion

A 12-week RSP was effective for improving anthropometric, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness health markers in adolescents with obesity, but not for RMR.

Funding

Funda??o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro