Favorable effects of non-instrumental resistance training on fat distribution and metabolic profiles in healthy elderly people

Abstract

This study examined the effect of a 12-week non-instrumental resistance training program using body weight as a load (RT-BW) on body composition, fat distribution and metabolic profiles in elderly males and females. Healthy, non-diabetic, elderly volunteers (22 males and 30 females) aged 65-82 years were non-randomly divided into RT-BW (12 males and 20 females) and control (10 males and 10 females) groups. The RT-BW subjects were trained three times per week for 12 weeks according to a specified protocol involving a combination of upper and lower body weight and rubber tubing exercises. We evaluated body composition and fat distribution using anthropometry, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography, and measured serum lipid levels and HbA(1c) at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. Changes over 12 weeks were significantly greater in the RT-BW group compared with the control group, with a decrease in waist circumference, pre-peritoneal (visceral) fat thickness and thigh fat thickness, and an increase in thigh muscle thickness. On the other hand, the changes in body weight, fat mass and fat free mass were no different between the groups. Further, there were significantly greater changes of metabolic profiles in the RT-BW group with an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in triglyceride and HbA(1c). There was a significant between-group difference in diastolic blood pressure. Relatively short-term, non-instrumental resistance training using body weight as a load was effective in improving fat distribution and metabolic profiles in healthy elderly people without weight loss.

Body composition, fitness, and metabolic health during strength and endurance training and their combination in middle-aged and older women

“…Physical exercise and contraction of skeletal muscle also acutely increases insulin sensitivity (Hawley and Lessard 2008). Both endurance and strength training may also improve blood lipid proWle (Leon and Sanchez 2001;Tsuzuku et al 2007) and decrease blood pressure (Kelley and Kelley 2000;Kelley et al 2001). …”

Effect of Long-Term Whole Body Vibration Training on Visceral Adipose Tissue: A Preliminary Report

“…mary goal but Levinger et al [29] concluded that resistance training should be added to other nonpharmacological interventions for metabolic risk factors such as aerobic training and/or diet [29]. Moreover, resistance training seems to have a potentially positive effect on visceral fat [30,31]. WBV training is a viable alternative for resistance training.…”

Effect of Abdominal Resistance Exercise on Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat of Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Ultrasound Imaging Assessments

“…According to these findings, it is reported that general resistance training might increase the lean body mass (LBM) and muscle strength and also could decrease the percentage of body fat (PBF), waist circumference, and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat and thigh fat thicknesses. [10][11][12][13] However, our finding regarding the effect of local resistance training on the fat reduction of the subjects is limited to a few studies. Kostek et al 14 reported a significant spot fat reduction in arms of male subjects who were asked to perform an upper-body resistance training program.…”