Comparison of two different resistance training intensities on metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese women

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome has been increasing worldwide. An effective solution to manage and prevent these syndromes is essential. Evidence shows that one of the single most important lifestyle changes for the prevention of many chronic diseases is exercise training. Previous studies have compared different aerobic training intensities in people with metabolic syndrome, but little is known about the effect of different resistance training intensities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks resistance training with two different intensities (50% and 75% of 1RM) on metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese women. Thirty middle-aged obese women were randomly divided into three groups: control group, low intensity group (50% of 1RM) and moderate intensity group (75% of 1RM). Exercise groups followed a supervised training program consisting of training 3 times/wk for 8 wk. The low intensity group performed 3 sets of 20 repetitions at an intensity corresponding to 50% of 1RM, with a 60-second rest period between sets, and the moderate intensity group performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at an intensity corresponding to 75% of 1RM, with a 90-second rest period between sets. The following variables were evaluated before and after the intervention: body mass; waist circumference; blood pressure; fasting blood glucose; HDL-C and triglycerides. Eight weeks resistance training with 50% or 75% of 1RM significantly reduced body mass (-2.96%; -3.6%), waist circumference (-2.04%; -2.86%) and serum triglyceride (-4.95%; -5.93%). There were no significant differences between low and moderate intensity group. However, the results indicated that eight weeks resistance training with 50% or 75% of 1RM had no significant alteration in HDL-C, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. It seems that, resistance training program reduce some of the metabolic syndrome risk factors in obese women and there is no difference between mild and moderate intensity.