The physiological effects of a low-impact Bodyattack™ class

Sandra Dias; Xavier Melo; Margarida Carrolo; Nuno Pimenta; Helena Santa-Clara

doi:10.33155/j.ramd.2019.11.001

Sandra Dias Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance. Faculty of Human Motricity. University of Lisbon Portugal.
Xavier Melo Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance. Faculty of Human Motricity. University of Lisbon Portuguese Club Gymnasium Portuguese Club Gymnasium. Rio Maior Sports School. Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Sport, Fitness and Health. Rio Maior. Lisbon. Portugal.
Margarida Carrolo Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance. Faculty of Human Motricity. University of Lisbon Portugal.
Nuno Pimenta Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance. Faculty of Human Motricity. University of Lisbon Rio Maior Sports School. Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Sport, Fitness and Health. Rio Maior. Lisbon. Portugal.
Helena Santa-Clara Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance. Faculty of Human Motricity. University of Lisbon Portugal.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2019.11.001

Keywords: Energy expendidure, Exercise intensity, Heart Rate, Aerobic dance, Accelerometry

Abstract

Objective: To estimate total energy expenditure and intensity of a low impact Bodyattack^TM session using combined heart rate and movement sensing technology.

Method: Participants were 10 (8 males) normal-weight adults (33 ± 3 years-old). Maximal oxygen capacity and heart rate were determined by the performance on a treadmill maximal exercise test using indirect calorimetric method. Heart rate and energy expenditure values were monitored during a Bodyattack™ routine using a combined heart rate and movement sensor. The manufacturer's combined activity and heart rate algorithm was used to estimate Total and Physical activity energy expenditure.

Results: A 60 min low impact Bodyattack^TM session demands a Total energy expenditure of 469.4 ± 170.8 kcal at an average intensity of 64% of maximal heart rate, from which approximately 27.2 min are spent at moderate to vigorous physical activity intensities. Compared to a high impact Bodyattack^TM session as reported by the trademark company, Total energy expenditure was lower in the low impact option (-194.8 Kcal, p=0.006), but no significant differences were found in average intensity (-9.4%, p=0.707).

Conclusion: Bodyattack™ routines performed at a low impact option may be sufficient to meet minimal recommendations for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness, if practiced beyond three days.week^-1. Although appropriate for untrained individuals and those with orthopedic limitations, energy requirements of low impact Bodyattack™ may not be enough to elicit an effective weight loss.