Abstract
Comparing the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE) on cardiovascular function in obese young adults. Exploring the mechanisms of resistance exercise on cardiovascular function. 44 subjects (22.4 ± 2.7 years, female/male: 26/18) were randomly divided into the AE and RE group. AE group performed platform running with 70-75% heart rate max. RE group performed deep squat, bench press, and hard pull training in sequence with 70-75% 1 repetition maximum. Body composition, cardio-vascular function indicators were measured before and after the interventions. After eight weeks, body fat percentage was reduced in both groups (AE: P < 0.0001, RE:P = 0.03). Hemodynamic indices (P < 0.05), endothelium-dependent diastolic function (AE:P = 0.01, RE:P = 0.024) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (P < 0.0001) were increased. Both AE and RE exercise increased cardiac function (P < 0.05). The RE group (P = 0.002) had a significantly higher muscle mass. Brachial-ankle pulse wave conduction velocity (left: P = 0.006; right: P < 0.0001) was significantly lower in the AE group. Both AE and RE significantly reduced the body fat percentage, improved cardiac function, hemodynamic, and vascular endothelial function in obese young adults. AE has a stronger effect on reducing arterial stiffness, whereas resistance exercise has a stronger effect on building muscle, but does not change arterial stiffness.