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Open Access 17-02-2023 | Original Article

Efficacy of progressive versus severe energy restriction on body composition and strength in concurrent trained women

Authors: Salvador Vargas-Molina, Diego A. Bonilla, Jorge L. Petro, Leandro Carbone, Manuel García-Sillero, José Manuel Jurado-Castro, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Javier Benítez-Porres

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2023

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluated the concurrent training (CT) effect in combination with either progressive energy restriction (PER) or severe energy restriction (SER) on body composition and strength-related variables in resistance-trained women.

Methods

Fourteen women (29.5 ± 3.8 years; 23.8 ± 2.8 kg·m⁻²) were randomly assigned to a PER (n = 7) or SER (n = 7) group. Participants performed an 8-week CT program. Pre- and post-intervention measures of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and strength-related variables were assessed through 1-repetition maximum (in the squat and bench press) and countermovement jump.

Results

Significant reductions in FM were observed in PER and SER (Δ = − 1.7 ± 0.4 kg; P = < 0.001; ES = − 0.39 and Δ = − 1.2 ± 0.6 kg; P = 0.002; ES = − 0.20, respectively). After correcting FFM for fat-free adipose tissue (FFAT), no significant differences for this variable were found either in PER (Δ = − 0.3 ± 0.1; P = 0.071; ES = − 0.06) or in SER (Δ = − 0.2 ± 0.1; P = 0.578; ES = − 0.04). There were no significant changes in the strength-related variables. No between-group differences were found in any of the variables.

Conclusion

A PER has similar effects to a SER on body composition and strength in resistance-trained women performing a CT program. Given that PER is more flexible and thus may enhance dietary adherence, it might be a better alternative for FM reduction compared to SER.

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Title: Efficacy of progressive versus severe energy restriction on body composition and strength in concurrent trained women
Authors: Salvador Vargas-Molina
Diego A. Bonilla
Jorge L. Petro
Leandro Carbone
Manuel García-Sillero
José Manuel Jurado-Castro
Brad J. Schoenfeld
Javier Benítez-Porres
Publication date: 17-02-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2023
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05158-8

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Efficacy of progressive versus severe energy restriction on body composition and strength in concurrent trained women

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote Webinar | Spotlight on Diet and Diabetes

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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