Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Training Reduces Insulin Resistance and Central Adiposity in Obese Adolescent Females

Exercise training is recommended for health maintenance and reducing the risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies. Combined resistance and aerobic exercise (CRAE) training decreases metabolic risk factors in obese adults. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of CRAE on obese adolescent females with hyperinsulinemia. METHODS: Forty obese adolescent females aged 14.7 ± 1 years (BMI 30 ± 2 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 20). The exercise group performed a CRAE workout 5 days a week for 12 weeks. The intensity gradually increased by 10% every 4 weeks, from 40 – 70% of their heart rate reserve (HRR). Body composition, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV), blood leptin, adiponectin, glucose, and insulin were measured pre- and post-training. Both groups maintained their regular diet and the control group maintained their normal activity level. RESULTS: CRAE reduced the body fat percentage, body weight, and waist circumference of the exercise group (p \u3c 0.05) compared to the control group. The exercise group maintained appropriate levels of blood leptin and adiponectin while their insulin, glucose, and insulin resistant parameters decreased compared to their baseline and the control group (p \u3c 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data show that CRAE is a safe and useful method to improving the metabolic risk factors of obese adolescent females with hyperinsulinemia