Immediate Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Whole-Body Vibration on Fat Oxidation, Lipid Mobilization, and Cardiovascular Response in Individuals with Obesity

Abstract

Among obesity, cumulative fat and poor physical activity are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Due to the limit in performing aerobic exercise (AER), whole-body vibration (WBV) as a passive form of exercise is an alternative therapeutic strategy. Herein, this study aimed to compare the immediate effects of AER and WBV on metabolic and cardiovascular responses, and dyspnea level in obesity. Forty-nine eligible obesities performed both AER and WBV, with a random order assignment (age = 28.94 ± 11.39 years). Fat oxidation, cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)), and dyspnea level (i.e., rating perceived exertion (RPE)) were measured during exercise, while lipid mobilization (i.e., triglycerides) was collected pre- and post-exercise. Fat oxidation rate in AER was significantly higher than in WBV. Significantly increased fat oxidation rates were shown in both groups (within-group analyses) (also shown in females aged 20-45). Triglyceride levels between AER and WBV were similar. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was only observed in WBV (within-group change). HR and RPE in AER were significantly higher than in WBV (p < 0.05). HR and RPE were significantly increased throughout both AER and WBV, while systolic blood pressure was only significantly elevated in AER (whining-group analyses). WBV may facilitate fat oxidation (particularly in females aged below 45), induce lipid mobilization, and reduce interference on cardiovascular parameters in obesity.

Keywords: aerobic exercise; cardiovascular response; fat oxidation; lipid mobilization; obesity; whole-body vibration.

Figure 1

The study procedure. AER, aerobic exercise; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; HR, heart rate; min, minute; RPE, rating perceived exertion; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TG, triglycerides; VCO2, carbon dioxide production; VO2, oxygen consumption; WBV, whole-body vibration.

Figure 2

Changes within and between AER and WBV groups on fat oxidation. AER, aerobic. exercise; g/min, gram per minute; min, minute; WBV, whole-body vibration; #, between-group significant difference; *, significant difference when compared to baseline.

Figure 3

Changes within and between AER and WBV groups on triglyceride levels. AER, aerobic exercise; mg/dL, milligram per deciliter; Pre, pre-test; Post, post-test; WBV, whole-body vibration; *, significant pre-post difference.

Figure 4

(A) Changes within and between AER and WBV groups on heart rate. (B) Changes within and between AER and WBV groups on systolic blood pressure. (C) Changes within and between AER and WBV groups on rating perceived exertion. AER, aerobic exercise; bpm, beat per minute; min, minute; mmHg, millimeter of mercury; WBV, whole−body vibration; #, between−group significant difference; *, significant difference when compared to baseline.