Effects of 8 weeks of aerobic or modified football training on skeletal muscle markers of mitochondrial functioning, systemic inflammation and glucose regulation

Physical Activity and Nutritional Documentation All participants will be provided with an exercise diary for the documentation of physical activity external to the study. Additionally, an exercise log will be kept by the Chief Investigator, which will consist of exercise information pertaining to the actual work completed during training sessions. Participants will also be informed of the importance of maintaining normal diet and nutritional patterns including macro- and micro-nutrient consumption (contribution from CHO, fat, protein; vitamin/mineral supplementation), time of consumption (lateness of evening meal), quantity of serving (dietary caloric restriction), type of preparation (cooking oils used, boil/steam/raw, etc), and alcohol consumption (type and quantity). The cycling and modified football training programs will consist of 4 mesocycles (blocks) of 2 weeks, with session duration and intensity steadily progressing from one mesocycle to the next. This protocol will allow for appropriate training adaptations to occur prior to an increase in intensity, thus allowing all participants to complete all exercise sessions in a comfortable manner. Aerobic (cycling) Training Program The aerobic exercise program will involve participants performing continuous a cycling exercise on a stationary ergometer for a total of 3 sessions per week. Each session will be monitored by an exercise physiologist. During the 8 weeks, exercise duration will increase from 30 to 45 min, and intensity will be increase from 70 to 80% of maximal heart rate. In each training session pedalling resistance, rpm and heart rate will be recorded at 5 minute intervals and at the conclusion an overall RPE will be obtained. Modified Football Training Program The modified football program will involve participants exercising for 3 sessions per week of touch football games. Each session will be monitored by an exercise physiologist. Additionally, during one training session per week GPS units will be utilised to identify any improvements in velocity and total distance covered throughout the exercise program. During the 8 weeks, total session duration will increase from 30 to 45 min, and total game play (intensity) will increase from 22 to 38 minutes. In each training session heart rate will be recorded during the rest intervals and at the conclusion an overall RPE will be obtained.