Impact of aerobic training on plasma leptin and pulmonary functions in obese adolescents

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to detect and relate alteration in reaction of plasma leptin and pulmonary functions (forced vital capacity "FVC" and forced expiratory volume in the first second "FEV1") in obese adolescent schoolboys and schoolgirls to aerobic training. Material and Method: Sixty obese secondary school students with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, with age range of 15 to 18 years participated in this study. Participants were allocated into two equal groups based on their gender: 30 schoolgirls (Group A) and 30 schoolboys (Group B). All subjects in both groups practiced moderate-intensity aerobic training program using a stationary cycle ergometer for a period of 4 months 5 days a week. Plasma leptin levels and pulmonary functions (FVC and FEV1) were measured in all students' before and after the program started. Participants were chosen from thirteen Secondary Schools, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They received training program at Pediatric OutPatient Clinic, King Abdul-Aziz Hospitals. The study was conducted between June 2015 and May 2016. Results: After 4 months of aerobic exercise program, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in leptin and significant improvement in pulmonary functions in both groups. Moreover, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in both groups in leptin levels with favor to girls group. In contrast, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in both groups in pulmonary functions with favor to boys group. Discussion: Following aerobic exercise program, pulmonary functions were improved in obese adolescent schoolboys more than in obese adolescent schoolgirls. In contrast, serum leptin hormone values were improved in obese adolescent schoolgirls more than in schoolboys.