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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Feb 15;14(4):816.
doi: 10.3390/nu14040816.

Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study

Seth A Creasy  1   2 , Liza Wayland  2 , Shelby L Panter  1   2 , Sarah A Purcell  1   2 , Rebecca Rosenberg  1 , Erik A Willis  3   4 , Bethelhem Shiferaw  5 , Laura Grau  5 , Matthew J Breit  1 , Daniel H Bessesen  1   2   6 , Edward L Melanson  1   7   8 , Victoria A Catenacci  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study

Seth A Creasy et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of randomizing adults with overweight and obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m2) to morning (06:00-10:00) or evening (15:00-19:00) aerobic exercise. Participants completed four exercise sessions per week in the morning (AM, n = 18) or evening (PM, n = 15). The exercise program was 15 weeks and progressed from 70 to 80% heart rate maximum and 750-2000 kcal/week. Bodyweight, body composition, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), energy intake (EI), sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), and maximal aerobic capacity were assessed at baseline and week 15. Study retention was 94% and adherence to the supervised exercise program was ≥90% in both groups. Weight change was -0.9 ± 2.8 kg and -1.4 ± 2.3 kg in AM and PM, respectively. AM and PM increased TDEE (AM: 222 ± 399 kcal/day, PM: 90 ± 150 kcal/day). EI increased in AM (99 ± 198 kcal/day) and decreased in PM (-21 ± 156 kcal/day) across the intervention. It is feasible to randomize adults with overweight and obesity to morning or evening aerobic exercise with high levels of adherence. Future trials are needed to understand how the timing of exercise affects energy balance and body weight regulation.

Keywords: diurnal; exercise timing; obesity; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

E.L.M. is supported by resources from the Geriatric Research, Education, and the Clinical Center at the Denver VA Medical Center. The contents do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. All other authors have nothing to disclose. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study enrollment.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Exercise equipment use.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in weight and body composition.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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