Effects of Moderate Combined Resistance- and Aerobic-Exercise for 12 Weeks on Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Blood Pressure, Arterial Stiffness, and Physical Functions, among Obese Older Men: A Pilot Study

Abstract

We demonstrated the hypothesis that combined exercise improves body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness, and physical functions, in obese older men. Older men (n = 20) were randomly assigned to combined exercise training (EXP; n = 10) or control groups (CON; n = 10). The combined exercise was comprised of elastic-band resistance training and walking/running on a treadmill and bicycle at 60-70% of maximal heart rate for 3 days/weeks. EXP showed significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and %body fat (p < 0.05). The exercise program significantly reduced BP, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Furthermore, while the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and epinephrine were significantly reduced in EXP, VO₂ peak and grip strength were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it is indicated that 12-week regular combined exercise improves body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, hemodynamics, and physical performance in obese older men.

Keywords: aerobic performance; arterial stiffness; blood pressure; cardiometabolic risk factors; combined exercise; older population.

Figure 1

Changes in arterial stiffness before and after 12-week intervention: baPWV. Note. Values are expressed as mean (± standard deviation), CI = confidence interval, CON = control group, EXP = experimental group, each symbol (□,△,○,etc.) represents the individual participant’s pre-test and post-test values, baPWV = brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. ^# Significant interaction or main effect, *** p < 0.001 vs. before intervention.

Figure 2

Changes in physical performance parameters before and after 12-week intervention: (A) VO₂ peak and (B) grip strength. Note. Values are expressed as mean (± standard deviation), CI = confidence interval, CON = control group, EXP = experimental group, each symbol (□,△,○,etc.) represents the individual participant’s pre-test and post-test values, VO₂ peak = peak oxygen uptake. ^# Significant interaction or main effect, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. before intervention.