The effect of concurrent endurance and resistance training on cardio-respiratory capacity and cardiovascular risk markers among sedentary overweight or obese post-menopausal women

Context: Exercise training has been inversely associated with cardiovascular risk factors. However, the clinical trials examining the effect of exercise training on reducing cardiovascular risk factors have produced conflicting results. 

Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of concurrent exercise training on cardiorespiratory capacity and cardio-vascular risk factors among sedentary overweight or obese post-menopausal women. 

Settings and Design: This randomized controlled trial was done in 2016. 

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 22 healthy post-menopausal overweight and obese females, which randomly divided into concurrent endurance and resistance (ER) exercise (n = 12) and control (n = 10) groups. The participants did not have any history of any serious medical condition or using drugs. Demographic questionnaire was completed, vital signs and biochemical tests were measured, and Rockport one-mile submaximal exercise test for assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was performed before and after the study. 

Statistical Analysis Used: Mean, standard deviation, and paired and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis. 

Results: The data from the ER groups showed that the body mass index (BMI), heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased, high-density lipoprotein, and VO2max increased significantly, during the 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Moreover, no changes were found in the cardiovascular risk factors of women who did not exercise (P > 0.05). 

Conclusion: Concurrent ER training can be a suitable exercise program for improving plasma lipid profile as well as reducing body composition, high-sensitivity CRP, and increasing VO2max in postmenopausal women.