Effects of Individualized Functional Training on the Physical Fitness of Women with Obesity

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Introduction: Obesity is a global public health problem with negative impact on health. Therefore, effective treatments options are needed. Objective: to evaluate the responses of a supervised functional training program on physical fitness and functional capacity of women with obesity. Methods: a prospective and controlled study was conducted with twenty-four women, BMI >30 and <55 kg/m² and age between 20 and 59 years. The evaluation consisted of anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests that assessed the cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity [6-minute step test (ST6min)], the indirect strength of the lower limbs [sit-to-stand test (STS)] and the flexibility [sit and reach test (SR)]. After the baseline evaluations, the volunteers were allocated in two groups: individualized training group (ITG) (n=13), which consisted of aerobic and strength training, for three months, three times a week, 60 minutes per session; and the control group (CG) (n=11) which did not participate in any regular physical exercise program during the same period. At the third month the two groups were reassessed. Results: it was observed significative reductions in waist circumference, hip and neck measurements; all with p<0.01; and increase in VO2max, in the number of movements of STS and in distance reached in the SR test, all with p<0.01 for the ITG. The ITG showed superiority over CG for all exercise test variables studied. Conclusion: The training program improved the distribution of body fat, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and functional capacity. These are indicatives that the strategy is feasible for women with obesity.