RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of individualised versus standardised combined endurance and resistance training on the fitness-fatness index in physically inactive adults. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Fifty-four participants aged 21-55â¯years were randomised into three groups; 1) non-exercise control (nâ¯=â¯18), 2) standardised moderate-intensity continuous training (nâ¯=â¯18), or 3) individualised moderate-intensity continuous trainingâ¯+â¯high-intensity interval training (nâ¯=â¯18). The fitness-fatness index was calculated by dividing cardiorespiratory fitness (expressed as metabolic equivalents) by the waist-to-height ratio. Participants were classified as likely responders to the intervention if a change of ≥1 fitness-fatness index unit was achieved. RESULTS: The individualised group showed the greatest fitness-fatness index improvement (between group difference pâ¯<â¯0.001), with 100â¯% of this group classified as likely responders, compared to the standardised (68â¯%) and non-exercise control (0â¯%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: An individualised, threshold-based exercise programme may produce more favourable changes in the fitness-fatness index than a standardised exercise programme.