Contribution of isokinetic muscle strengthening in the rehabilitation of obese subjects

Aims: Our objective was to evaluate the specific effect of isokinetic muscle strength enhancement in the rehabilitation of obese subjects by comparing two groups (isokinetic muscle exercising associated with aerobic exercising or only aerobic exercising).

Patients and methods: This was a randomized, prospective study from January 2008 to December 2009 involving 40 obese patients randomized into two groups. The first group G1 (n=20) followed a program of aerobic training and isokinetic exercising of the extensor and flexor muscles of lower limbs and spine. The second group G2 (n=20) followed only a program of aerobic exercising. All patients completed their rehabilitation protocols comprising 3 sessions per week for two months. The parameters evaluated before and after the program were anthropometric parameters (weight, stature, body mass index, body fat and lean body mass percentages), cardiovascular parameters by stress test on electromagnetic ergo-cycle, an assessment of muscle strength by isokinetic dynamometer and an assessment of psychological status and quality of life.

Results: We recruited 36 women and 4 men. Initially, the 2 groups were comparable. After training, in both groups we noted an improvement in anthropometric parameters, with an average weight loss of 1.83 kg/week (P<0.001), an improvement in cardiovascular parameters with a decrease in heart rate at rest and under effort, and in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure values at rest and under effort (P<0.01 in both group), an improvement in parameters of muscle strength with increase in moment of maximum strength of extensor and flexor knee and spine muscles for all three test speeds, and an improvement in psychological status and in quality of life. The improvement of all these parameters was statistically greater in G1 (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Isokinetic muscle strengthening increases the effects of aerobic exercising in the obese by improving muscle strength, increasing lean body mass and reducing body fat.