The effects of aerobic versus resistance training on cardiovascular fitness in obese sedentary females

Abstract

Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of aerobic and strength training on cardiac variables such as blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and metabolic parameters like cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and anthropometric parameters of obese women of Punjab.

Methods: This study was performed as an experimental study, in which subjects were randomly selected. There were thirty obese women, aged between 35-45yrs with body mass index (BMI) of above 30. Subjects were grouped into control (n=10), aerobic training (n=10) and resistance training (n=10). Aerobic training was given for three days a week at 60-70% of maximum HR for 6 weeks. Resistance training (Delorme and Watkins Technique) was given for alternate days for 6 weeks. HR and blood pressure were measured before and after the exercise. Recovery HR was also measured.

Results: The findings of the study indicate statistically significant differences in recovery heart rate [Pre-exercise: 97.40± 5.378 (mean±standard deviation (SD)), post-exercise: 90.70±4.599, t=8.066, P<0.001] and in post-diastolic blood pressure [Pre-exercise: 85±3.265, post-exercise: 86.20±2.820, P<0.001] in aerobic training and in systolic blood pressure [Pre- and post-exercise] in both training groups (P<0.001). Significant differences were observed in very low-density lipoprotein [pre-exercise: 28.10±1.415, post-exercise: 26.86±0.760, t=5.378] and HDL [pre-exercise: 45.40±3.533, post-exercise: 53.60±3.134, t=6.318] levels in aerobic training group with P<0.001. BMI and body fat percentage showed significant improvements in both training groups.

Conclusion: Aerobic training is more beneficial and can be used as a preventive measure in patients who are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to obesity.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Heart rate; Obesity; Physical fitness; Resistance training.