The study of Scott et al. (2011) investigated the energy expenditure during and after
two different resistance training sessions. The other session consisted of endurance type
of exercises and the other one included anaerobic strength training (workloads ranging
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from 37 % of 1RM in endurance exercises to 90 % of 1RM in anaerobic exercises). The
endurance type of exercises performed until failure were more effective in terms of total
energy expenditure compared to heavy weight lifting. (Scott et al. 2011.) In the future, it
would be meaningful to compare the energy expenditure of anaerobic resistance training
with heavy weights to own-body weight training completed until muscular failure.
Paoli et al. (2012) compared the acute effect of high-intensity resistance training and
traditional resistance training on resting energy expenditure and respiratory exchange
ratio. They demonstrated that energy metabolism was significantly greater 22 hours
after high-intensity resistance training compared to traditional resistance training.
Resting energy expenditure was increased 23 % in the high-intensity group while the
increase was only 5 % in the traditional training group.
Chan and Burns (2013) measured post-exercise oxygen consumption and RER in eight
healthy males measuring breath-by-breath pulmonary gas exchange. The subjects
participated in two trials in separated days: four 30 seconds high-intensity sprints
separated by 4.5 minutes recovery on cycle ergometer and equal duration of rest as a
control trial. Post-exercise oxygen uptake was significantly higher (43%) after the
exercise trial compared to resting trial, reflecting 65 kcal greater energy expenditure.
However, the duration of increased oxygen consumption was rather short, lasting only
30 minutes after exercise. (Chan & Burns 2013.)
Excessive post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) represents increased VO2 and
energy expenditure after exercise session. EPOC is known to be the greatest
immediately post-exercise and it decreases over time. Studies have shown that both
aerobic and resistance training increases EPOC. (Farinatti et al. 2012.) Increased EPOC
is due to metabolic restoration back to pre-exercise levels (Boutcher 2011). In terms of
weight management EPOC is considered to be beneficial, hence it causes increased total
energy expenditure as well as greater fat oxidation (Harris & Wood 2012). According to
the study of LaForgia et al. (2006), the contribution of HIIT-related EPOC to total
energy expenditure is 14 %. Although the effect of EPOC can be considered rather
small, it was greater compared to equated moderate intensity exercise (EPOC 7 % from
total energy expenditure). Apparently the greatest energy expenditure comes out during
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actual exercise and thus, if an elevated post-HIIT EPOC enhances fat loss, requires
further research (Boutcher 2011). In theory, the cumulative effect of EPOC with regular
exercise routine could have a positive effect on long-term energy balance and hence,
facilitate fat loss (Harris & Wood 2012).