Effects of Continuous Aerobic Training on Body Composition in Primary School Boys
Keywords:
continuous training, body composition, primary school students, body fat percentage.Abstract
The prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among children has increased significantly in recent decades, leading to higher rates of overweight, obesity, and reduced physical fitness. School-based exercise programs are considered an effective strategy to improve body composition and promote health in children. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a structured continuous aerobic training program on body composition among primary school boys aged 10–12 years in Shahriar County, Iran. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements and included a control group. Twenty students were randomly assigned to two groups: a continuous training group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). Body composition variables, including body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and basal metabolic rate, were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 0.3, Korea). Anthropometric variables such as waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, and thigh circumference were also recorded. The training program lasted 12 weeks and consisted of three weekly sessions with progressive intensity ranging from 60% to 75% of maximum heart rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for normality, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed a significant improvement in body composition in the training group compared with the control group (p = 0.002). Participants who completed the exercise intervention demonstrated reductions in body fat percentage and improvements in lean body mass. These findings suggest that continuous aerobic training programs implemented within school settings can effectively improve body composition and promote physical health in children. The results highlight the importance of integrating structured physical activity into school curricula to prevent childhood obesity and improve long-term health outcomes.
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