Objective: 

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined aerobic and strengthening exercises on the aerobic capacities of obese people.

Methods: 

Fifty patients who applied Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Pamukkale University, with a body mass index (BMI)>30 and completed the exercise program participated to this study. Patients completed a total of 30 sessions of exercise program for 10 weeks, 3 times a week. Aerobic capacities were evaluated by stress exercise testing with Modified Bruce Protocol made before and after the exercise program. Intensity of aerobic exercise program was determined by 50–70% of the maximum heart rate calculated with Karvenon formule. Strengthening exercise was applied by weights corresponding to 50–60% of 1 repetetion maximum of pectoral, abdominal, lower and upper extremity muscles over 2 sets of 10 repetitions. Paired T test was used for statistics.

Results: 

Mean age, weight, height and BMI of the 45 women and 5 men registered in our study were 48.48±9.9; 87.62±11.16 kg; 161.2±6.4cm; 33.81±3.4kg/m2, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in relative VO2max (33.26±7.15 vs 43.57±7.12 ml/kg/min), absolute VO2max (2.81±0.66 vs 3.90±1.52 L/min) and MET (9.49±2.05 vs 12.06±2.6). No statistivally significant alteration was obtained in maximal heart rate reached at peak exercise level.

Conclusions: 

The results of this study indicate that the increase observed in aerobic capacity is independent of the weight change.