Effects of High-Intensity Circuit Training on Calcaneal Bone Status in Collegiate Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) using body weight as resistance on calcaneal bone status in sedentary collegiate women.

Methods: The subjects were 24 healthy sedentary collegiate women and were randomly divided into 2 groups: 12 in the HICT group and 12 in the control group. The HICT group performed 14-min HICT, 2 d•wk-1 for 10 weeks. Quantitative ultrasound measurements of the right calcaneus were performed to measure speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI).Nutrient intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire.

Results: After the training period, the HICT group showed significantly lower body weight, fat mass and %Fat, whereas there were no significant changes in the control group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in energy or nutrient intake before or after the training period. After the training period, the HICT group exhibited significant increases of SOS and SI, whereas the controls did not show any significant changes.

Conclusion: Performing 14-min of HICT, 2 d•wk-1, for 10 weeks has positive effects on calcaneal bone status.