A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Supervised Aerobic Training Program on Anthropometry, Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Obese Adult Leukemic Patients

Background: The purpose of this randomized study was to examine the effects of a supervised aerobic training program on anthropometry, lipid profile and body composition of obese adult leukemia survivors. Methods: Fifty-four obese adult leukemia survivors were allocated randomly into two groups of equal number. The intervention group underwent a supervised aerobic training program for 30-40 minutes, 3 days per week for 12 weeks while the control group did not receive any specific supervised type of exercise and only did the usual daily routine activities. Anthropometry, lipid profile and body composition assessments were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks using a standard calibrated digital scale, digital stadiometer, blood sample analysis and densitometry (DEXA), respectively. Results: The study showed marked reduction in the mean values of anthropometric measurements (weight, Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) at the end of the study in intervention compared with control group (P<0.05). The results of the study showed a favourable lipid profile at the end of the study. The mean values of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were decreased markedly, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) mean values were increased significantly after aerobic training program in intervention group compared with control group. Regarding body composition, the mean values of fat-free mass (FFM) were increased significantly while the percentage of total fat mass (TFM) and trunk fat (TF) were markedly reduced after receiving the training program in intervention group compared with control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: 12 weeks of supervised aerobic training program can significantly reduce body weight, BMI, WC, HC, WHR in adult subjects who are obese leukemia survivors. In addition, it could result in a favourable lipid profile and a change in body composition.