Effect of Low- and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Training on Body Composition Cardiorespiratory Functions, Biochemical Risk Factors and Adipokines in Morbid Obesity

Background: Obesity poses an enormous public health and economic burden worldwide. Visceral fat accumulation is associated with various metabolic and cardiovascular consequences, resulting in an increased prevalence of atherosclerotic conditions. We aimed to examine the impact of low-and moderate-intensity aerobic training on several anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters and markers of atherosclerosis, including inflammation, serum levels of lipoproteins and adipokines of extremely obese patients in poor condition.

Methods: Forty severely obese patients were recruited and randomized into two groups, Group 1 and Group 2, for a six-week inpatient study. Group 1 received moderate-intensity (40-60% heart rate reserve) and Group 2 received low-intensity (30-39% of heart rate reserve) aerobic training combined with resistance training. The patients' cardiorespiratory functions were assessed by ergospirometry. Anthropometric data were recorded, body composition was analyzed and functional tests were performed. We also investigated serum lipids and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels and calculated the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance indices and adipokine levels as predictive biomarkers.

Results: Functional abilities and some biochemical parameters, such as homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, serum lipids, apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein-B improved in both groups in a positive direction. However, cardiorespiratory capacity and the serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein and Lipocalin-2 decreased, while irisin and paraoxonase 1 increased significantly, but only in Group 1.

Conclusions: Six weeks of aerobic training, regardless of its intensity, could induce favorable changes in functional tests, body composition and serum lipids, even in severely obese, extremely unconditioned patients in both groups. However, moderate-intensity aerobic training should at least increase cardiorespiratory capacity and yield a better lipid profile oxidative status and inflammation profile.