Changes in insulin resistance and adipokines in obese women following a 12-week programme of combined exercise training

Abstract

This study examined the effect of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on levels of leptin, adiponectin and  blood lipids in obese women. The subjects (N=20) were assigned randomly to the combined exercise training  (resistance and aerobics) group (CEG: n=10) or the control group (CG: n=10). Exercise sessions took place three times weekly for 12 weeks. The combined exercise training was composed of walking on an air-board and resistance exercise at 30 to 50% of the one repetition maximum. Subjects in the CG did not participate in any exercise programme. A main effect of participation was observed for body weight, percentage body fat and glucose (p<0.05). An interaction was detected between time and group on body weight, percentage body fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol, leptin and adiponectin (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the assessment of the homeostasis model estimate of insulin resistance, insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These results indicate that the combined exercise training programme improved insulin-sensitising cytokines and blood lipids in the obese women.

Key words: Insulin resistance; Adiponectin; Combined exercise programme; Obese women; Leptin.