The chronic effects of moderate intensity aerobic, resistance and combination exercise on components of the metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese individuals.

INTERVENTION: The study was a randomized parallel design examining the effects of different exercise regimes on fasting measures and also changes in body weight, fat mass, dietary intake and psychological effects of exercise. Subjects were randomized to four different groups. Group 1 (Control group) were not given any exercise intervention (placebo dietary supplement only). Group 2 (Aerobic group) performed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 3 days a week for the first two weeks then 5 days a week for the next 10 weeks for a total of 12 weeks, which consisted of treadmill walking. Group 3 (Resistance group) performed 30 minutes of resistance exercise, 3 days a week for the first two weeks then 5 days a week for the next 10 weeks for a total of 12 weeks using weight resistance machines. Group 4 (Combination group) performed 15 minutes of aerobic and 15 minutes of resistance exercise, 3 days a week for the first two weeks then 5 days a week for the next 10 weeks for a total of 12 weeks. Participants were requested to keep their food intake and physical activity the same as before the study, except for those in the exercise groups who were instructed to do additional exercise as per their program. CONDITION: Metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese individuals . PRIMARY OUTCOME: Blood lipid, lipoprotein profile, glucose tolerance and insulin response. Body composition measured by Dual‐energy X‐ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured on the left arm of participants with an automated sphygmomanometer (Dinamap ProCare). Subjects rested in a supine position before and during measurements. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Endothelial function measured via Sphygmocor pulse wave analysis. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Overweight or obese individuals who were sedentary to lightly active.