Effect of resistance exercise training on biochemical markers and anthropometric characteristics involved in atherosclerosis in obese women

Introduction: Obese individuals have elevated levels of inflammatory and cell adhesion molecules that can critically induce the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Aerobic exercise training reduces biochemical markers and anthropometric characteristics involved in atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the effect of resistance exercise training on these biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on atherosclerosis biochemical markers and anthropometric characteristics in obese women. Materials and methods: Fourteen obese women completed an 8-week resistance exercise training protocol with moderate intensity at 9 stations (exercise involving the major muscle groups: 3 sets of 8-15 repetitions of chest press, leg press, seated pulley rows, overhead press, seated leg press, leg curl, triceps extensions, biceps curls, and calf raises). Fasting blood samples were taken before and after the 8-week exercise training. Intercellular Adhesion Molecule1 (ICAM-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured using commercial kits by ELISA method. The data were analyzed using dependent t-test. Results: Resistance training significantly reduced the levels of atherosclerosis biochemical markers, ICAM-1and CRP (P=0.001). Also, body fat percentage (P=0.001), waist: hip ratio, body mass and body mass index significantly decreased following resistance training (P=0.001). However, no significant change occurred in platelet counts (P=0.922). Conclusion: Resistance training results in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers involved in atherosclerosis as well as body fat.