This study examined the effect of circuit training and aerobic training on obesity-related indicator, brain function-related factor and feeling scale in obese children.
Eleven children between 10∼13years of age were randomly assigned to either circuit training(CT; n=6) or aerobic training(AT; n=5).
Participants completed 3 sessions of circuit or aerobic training per week across 6 weeks. Exercise intensity was set at 65∼85% heart rate reserve for CT and 40∼60% heart rate reserve for AT while total caloric expenditure aim to achieve approximately 350 kcal in per session.
Body composition, basic physical fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood analysis and resting brain activity were measure pre and post the 6 weeks intervention period while the feeling scale was administered at the conclusion of each of the 6 weeks.
Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to determine the mean and standard deviation of results. An Independent t-test was performed to determine the differences in total exercise time and caloric expenditure between groups. A two-way ANOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of exercise for each group. If a significant difference between groups was identified an independent t-test and paired t-test were conducted. Significance level was set at P〈.05.
The result of the study were as follows:

1. No significant differences in exercise time or caloric expenditure was found between groups.

2. Changes in height were reported in both CT and AT groups while no significant difference in body weight, body fat, and fat free mass were found between both CT and AT groups.

3. Scores for step test, sit and reach, grip strength, sit-up, push-up, side step, sargent-jump were reported in both CT and AT groups as well as VO2max. However, CT participants increased exercise duration more so than AT participants.

4. No significantly change in total cholesterol or low density lipoprotein cholesterol was found in with CT or AT participants however increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced triglyceride and free fatty acids was reported in both CT and AT participants.

5. No significant different in BDNF was found in CT and AT groups however, changes in norepinephrine and serotonin were reported in both. No significant changes in SMR or Theta wave forms were found although SMR/Theta ratio was increased.

6. Feeling scale scores were reported significantly higher in CT participants compared to AT participants while the dropout rate was significantly lower in CT compared to AT.

In conclusion, as well as aerobic training, circuit training is an effective exercise modality, which may improve obesity-related indicators and brain function-related factors. Circuit training was found to be more effective in improving exercise duration and feeling scale scores than aerobic training. These results suggest that circuit training may be an effective exercise choice to maintain participation and limit dropouts form exercise programs particularly in obese children with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and concentration.