INFLUENCE OF A HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY SUPPORTED EXERCISE PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIAC RISK FACTOR PROFILE AMONG OBESE ADULTS1350

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of a ten-week exercise program carried out by a government health insurance company on physical fitness and cardiac risk factor profile among 18 obese adults (13 females, 5 males; age: 53.3 ± 11.3 yrs; BMI: 32.3 ± 4.8 kg/m2). The experimental design included a standardized program in the form of gymnastic exercises 1 x/week for 60 minutes over a period of 10 weeks and an examination prior to and after the exercise program consisting of history and physical examination, analysis of relevant laboratory values and cycle ergometry in a sitting position until subjective exhaustion. During the 10-week exercise period the maximal ergometric performance increased significantly (p<0.001) from 1.64 ± 0.37 to 1.79 ± 0.34 W/kg as well as the performance at the 2-, 3- and 4 mmol/l lactate threshold (2 mmol/l: 0.99 ± 0.24 vs. 1.10 ± 0.30 W/kg, p<0.01; 3 mmol/l: 1.25 ± 0.29 vs. 1.39 ± 0.30 W/kg, p<0.001; 4 mmol/l: 1.45± 0.30 vs. 1.56 ± 0.28 W/kg, p<0.05). Fat metabolism was in a significantly better range after the exercise program (total cholesterol: 6.63± 1.44 vs. 5.68 ± 1.31 mmol/l, p<0.01; triglycerides: 1.71± 0.60 vs. 1.47 ± 0.54 mmol/l, p<0.05). Blood pressure at rest (145.0 ± 17.0 vs. 134.2 ± 16.7 mmHg, p<0.001) and during exercise (100 Watt: 181.2 ± 27.6 vs. 169.2 ± 27.8 mmHg, p<0.01) as well as BMI (32.3 ± 4.8 vs. 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2, p<0.001) were significantly lower at the second examination. These data suggest that even exercise programs of minor duration, intensity and frequency may achieve substantially positive alterations concerning physical fitness and cardiac risk factors among persons with an unfavorable profile. Therefore, considering the continually increasing costs for health care government and health insurance company supported exercise programs as preventive measures should be strongly encouraged.