Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on body weight and cutaneous microvascular reactivity in overweight individuals.
Methods: A total of 41 overweight women aged 30-45 years (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) were randomized into sedentary time control (CON; N.=15), traditional aerobic dance (AD; N.=11), and step aerobic dance combined with upper-body resistance training (SAR; N.=15) groups. Exercise programs were 50 minutes/session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks.
Results: Maximal oxygen consumption and 1-RM strength of lower body increased (P<0.05) in the AD and SAR groups. Body mass and BMI decreased (P<0.05) in the SAR group. Plasma concentration of adiponectin increased (P<0.05) whereas leptin concentration did not change. Peak postocclusive reactive hyperemia measured by laser-Doppler fluxmeter improved (P<0.05) in the SAR group. These changes were not observed in the CON or AD groups. Peak occlusive reactive hyperemia was positively and significantly correlated with adiponectin level (r=0.23).
Conclusion: The present findings suggest that simultaneously performed step aerobic dance and resistance training exerts more favorable effects on weight loss and improving cutaneous microvascular reactivity in overweight women.