Before measurements, a pilot study was conducted in order to
analyze intra-rater reliability, using intraclass correlation (ICC 3.1) and
standard error of measurement (SEM). A rigid tape in centimeters was
used to measure abdominal perimeter (SEM = 0.1 cm; ICC = 0.99).
Skinfold measurements were performed using Harpenden® analog
calipers (SEM = 0.2 mm; ICC = 0.96). Bioimpedance Tanita BC-545
InnerScan™ was used to calculate the percentage of total and trunk
fat, weight and muscle mass. Echograph Toshiba Medical Systems,
with a 7.5 MHz frequency probe was chosen to measure subcutaneous
and visceral abdominal fat (SEM = 0.3 mm; ICC = 0.97). Food
frequency questionnaire (FFQ)was implemented in order to seewhether
the participants maintained their eating habits throughout the protocol
(Cronbach's α1 = 0.70). This questionnaire assesses eating habits based
on the diet over a specified period of time (1 week in this study). It has
9 sections (related with different kinds of food and drink) classified
by the portion size, which allows for an estimate of the total calories
ingested per day. During sessions, beyond monitoring heart rate
(Polar® heart monitors), the intensity of aerobic exercise was controlled
using Borg Scale.2 A cycloergometer was used for aerobic exercise and
the Enraf Nonius® model 692 Sonopuls® device was used to deliver
microcurrent.