Effects Of Aerobic Exercise Based Upon Gas Exchange Aerobic Threshold In Obese Sarcopenic Subjects.

Abstract

It is well known that in sarcopenic obese subjects a correct life style, including diet and physical activity, is part of a correct intervention protocol to reduce weight and increase physical fitness. In order to reach these positive effects, the exercise program should be tailored according to the individual’s physical function, health status, exercise responses, and stated goals. PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training intervention, basedupongait speed corresponding to aerobic gas exchange threshold (AerTge), on physical and physiological parameters in sarcopenic obese adult subjects(OBS). METHODS: Twenty-two sedentary Caucasian sarcopenic obese women (age 46.5±15.4 yrs; BMI 36.1 ± 9.5) were included in the study. Subjects’ height, weight, VO2peak and AerTgewere assessedbefore starting aerobic training. Moreover 6 minute walking test (6MWT), sit and reach test, short physical performance battery test (4 meter gait speed, balance, chair stand test) were performed. Subjects were required to walk or run 30 min/day for at least 5 day/week for 2 months at the speed corresponding to the individual AerTge. After two month all variables were assessed to verify the effects of aerobic training on body composition, physical and physiological parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between PRE and POST aerobic training in weight (95.2±26.1 vs 93.0±23.4 kg), BMI (36.1±9.5 vs 34.8±9.2 kg/m2), FM%(47.8±11.1 vs 45.3±11.2 %), VO2 peak(19.7±5.4 vs 21.8±6.1 ml/kg/min) and MET (5.6±1.5 vs 6.2±1.8)at maximal exercise capacity.Significant differences were also found in chair stand test (8.6±3.1vs 7.7±2.8 sec),four meters walking tests(3.9±1.1 vs 3.6±1.0 sec),sit and reach (9.6±6.6 vs 11.5±7.4 cm) and six minutes walking tests (550.4±144.9 vs 681.9 ±141.8 m) whileno differences were found for the other considered parameters. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that a 2 months aerobic exercise training based on gait speed corresponding to subjects’ AerTge, had a positive effect on body composition and improved physical fitness and maximal exercise capacity. Thus, the prescription of physical activity intensity based onAerTge, should become more frequent in sarcopenic obese subjects.