Effect of Muay Thai training frequency on VO2 max and muscle endurance in non-athletic adults: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background
Urban lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, contributing to reduced physical fitness. Muay Thai, a high-intensity martial art, has been proposed as an effective exercise modality to improve aerobic capacity and muscle endurance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different weekly Muay Thai training frequencies on VO₂ max and muscle endurance in non-athletic adults.

Methods
A randomized experimental study with a pre-test–post-test design was conducted involving 40 non-athletic adults (aged 20–25 years). Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: training twice weekly (MT2X) or four times weekly (MT4X) for eight weeks. Outcomes included VO₂ max and upper, abdominal, and lower body muscle endurance. Baseline characteristics were described descriptively. Between-group differences in post-intervention outcomes were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with baseline values included as covariates.

Results
At baseline, VO₂ max, abdominal, and lower body muscle endurance were higher in the MT4X group. After adjustment for baseline values using ANCOVA, the MT4X group demonstrated significantly higher post-intervention VO₂ max compared with the MT2X group (adjusted mean difference, p<0.001). Significantly greater improvements favoring the MT4X group were also observed for upper body muscle endurance (push-ups, p<0.001), abdominal muscle endurance (sit-ups, p<0.001), and lower body muscle endurance (squats, p=0.018).

Conclusion
A higher frequency Muay Thai training program is effective in significantly improving participants' aerobic capacity and muscle endurance. Practitioners are able to choose their training frequency preference, since both frequencies provide similar adaptation.