Objective. To investigate the effects of aerobic interval exercise combined with resistance training (AIEaRT) on body composition, lipid and glycaemic profile in obese rats.
Methods. Thirty-two Zucker rats were divided into a genetically obese phenotype (Fa/fa, n = 16) vs lean phenotype (Fa/ + , n = 16). Each phenotype was further divided into exercise or sedentary (n = 8). Exercise group followed a training protocol consisting in AIEaRT 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Body weight, muscle and fat mass, plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides were measured. Blood fasting and postprandial glucose at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min were also estimated.
Results. Body fat was lower in the AIEaRT compared to the sedentary groups for both phenotypes (p < 0.001). Plasma triglycerides were lower in the AIEaRT compared to the sedentary obese group (p < 0.001). Plasma LDL-cholesterol and fasting glucose were lower in the AIEaRT compared to the sedentary groups for both phenotypes (p < 0.001). Postprandial glucose at 15, 30 and 60 min was lower in the AIEaRT compared to the sedentary groups for both phenotypes (p < 0.001) and at 90 and 120 min in the obese group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions. Sedentary Fa/fa rats obtained the worst values for lipids and glycaemia but AIEaRT interacted on reducing this adverse metabolic status. Moreover, fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations were similar in obese-trained than in sedentary-lean rats.
Corresponding author. irecollrisco@gmail.com
