The Comparison of Effects of Aerobic Interval and Continuous Training Program on Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Body Mass Index, and Body Fat Percentage in Officer Students

One of the main parts of the militaries’ education is the physical preparation training. We aimed to compare the effect of aerobic interval and continuous training program on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Body Mass Index (BMI), and body fat percentage in officer students. Fifty students within 19 to 23 years were randomly divided into two groups and underwent aerobic interval training (n=25) and aerobic continuous training (n=25). Each group participated in aerobic training for eight weeks and five sessions a week; each session was at least 45 minutes. Aerobic interval training program included running periodic to distances of 100,200,300, 400 and 600 meters, with 80-85% heart rate reserve (HRR), and with rest between repetitions and periods; and aerobic continuous training program included running continually, without rest, with 55-60% HRR. Data were analyzed by Paired Samples and Independent-Samples T Test, at a significance level of P<0/05. There was no significant difference in body fat percentage within and between groups. BMI decreased and VO2max increased significantly in both groups and the only significant difference between two groups was in the VO2max value. Aerobic interval training program may be more effective than aerobic continuous training program on improving VO2max, BMI and body fat percentage.