To analyze the influence of a 14-week periodized circuit training (CT) protocol on thigh intermuscular fat and muscle quality (force per unit area of lean tissue) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Randomized controlled trial METHODS: Sixty-one selected participants with KOA grades 2 and 3, 40-65 years old, and BMI < 30 kg/m
Only the CT group presented significant reductions in thigh intermuscular fat (p = 0.003) and significantly lower values in week 14 compared with the EP (p = 0.032). Both trained groups presented significant increases in muscle mass area (p=0.002 for CT and p=0.008 for ST) and increments in knee extension MIVC (p=0,033 for CT nd p=0.019 for ST) in week 14 compared with the EP and increases in muscle quality (p = 0.004 and 0.042).
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02761590; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02761590Key Points•Fourteen weeks of periodized circuit training attenuates thigh intermuscular fat in patients with knee osteoarthritis.•Circuit training is as effective as strength training for improving muscle mass, strength, and quality.
It can be concluded that a 14-week periodized CT protocol attenuates thigh intermuscular fat and improves muscle quality in patients with KOA.