Effects of Concurrent Strength and Aerobic Training on Blood Glucose Homeostasis and Lipid Profile in Females with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is recognized as a basic component of the management of children with obesity. Objectives: The current study aimed at exploring the effect of a 12-week concurrent strength and aerobic training on body composition, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) between the females with overweight and obesity. Methods: The current semi-experimental study was conducted on 40 females (20 with obesity and 20 with overweight) aged 13 - 15 years selected and randomly assigned into four groups. Strength training was performed three days a week each session for 30 minutes at 50% to 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), and aerobic training started from 50% and progressively reached 80% of maximum heart rate. Blood samples and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after practice. Data were analyzed by covariance. P < 0.05 was considered the significance level. Results: Significant changes were observed in body mass index (BMI), weight, body fat percentage (%BF), and skinfold fat after the intervention (P < 0.05). But, no significant changes occurred in FBS, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA-IR, plasma insulin, HDL, LDL, TC, and TG (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The current study suggested that concurrent strength and aerobic training can improve body composition of females with overweight and obesity, and normal blood lipid and glucose hemostasis. However, it did not affect glucose hemostasis and lipid profile.