Effects of combined therapy with therapeutic ultrasound and Aussie current associated with high-intensity interval training on abdominal adiposity and body composition: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

• Grant number: 23/09365-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Aparecida Maria Catai
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Aparecida Marcondes Scalli
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/03343-3 - Can therapeutic ultrasound associated with Aussie current and combined with high-intensity interval training promote changes in free glycerol levels and lipid profile in obese people?, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominal obesity is considered a cardiovascular risk factor. Interventions to reduce and/or control obesity have been important. Among them, therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) promotes pyroptosis and the consequent release of glycerol into the bloodstream, which can be metabolized through physical exercise (PE). PE is one of the main ways of managing obesity. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) leads to an increase in fat oxidation capacity. However, the effects of this association on both abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness and changes in body composition are unknown. Aim: To investigate the effects of 10 sessions of TUS combined with Aussie current associated with HIIT on abdominal SAT thickness, body composition and blood glycerol release in overweight or obese patients. Methods: This study is a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. 48 adults, of both sexes, aged e 18 years and 40 years and with a fat mass index (FMI) kg/m2 classified between overweight and obesity grade 2 will be evaluated. The study participants will be subdivided into three groups (n = 16 per group). All participants will undergo 10 treatment sessions, twice a week. The active group (GA) will receive treatment with TUS+Aussie plus HIIT. The placebo group (GP) will receive TUS+Aussie, both placebos, combined with HIIT. The Heccus group (GH) will receive only the combined TUS+Aussie therapy. TAS thickness will be assessed using ultrasound imaging. Body composition will be assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Serum glycerol levels will be assessed using the hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance technique. The normality of the data will be assessed and parametric or non-parametric tests will be used. Expected results: We expect to find a greater reduction in the thickness of the abdominal SAT and a reduction in body fat mass in GA and that these differences will be more significant in patients with a higher FMI. We also expect to find a greater release of free glycerol molecules after TUS+Aussie (lipolysis) and that these molecules are oxidized after HIIT. Thus, the search for non-invasive treatments for obesity as a way of reducing clinical comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors could contribute to the control of the disease, as well as expanding its use in physiotherapy clinical practice.