The purpose of this study was the effect of concurrent exercise order on lipid profile, leptin serum and insulin resistance index in non-athlete overweight women.
Thirty female students (age = 23.2 ± 2.4 year, BMI = 27.87 ± 1.3 kg/m2) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into three groups of 10 people taking the Concurrent Endurance-Resistance (CER), Concurrent Resistance Endurance (CRE) and Control (C). Two exercise groups performed the same concurrent exercise, but the order of endurance and resistance exercise were different in two groups. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after completion of the exercise. The paired sample t-test was used to determine differences within a group, and variation between groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD were used.
The implementation of a concurrent exercise session in two exercise groups except for the indicators of HDL that there was no significant change, caused to significantly decreases in TC, TG, LDL, insulin, insulin resistance indices and leptin serum that this rate of changes was significant compared with the control group. But no significant difference was observed between implementation of two methods of concurrent exercise. In addition, the control group did not change significantly in none of the variables.
Although the implementation one session of a combination of resistance and endurance exercise improves lipid profile, insulin resistance index and leptin serum but the effectiveness of two methods of concurrent endurance-resistance and resistance-endurance were similar.
Endurance exercise, Resistance exercise, Lipid profile, Leptin, Overweight
Obesity and overweight are the most important relevant factors involved the development of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). CVD is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world; therefore, identification of cardiovascular risk factors is important to prevent disease progression and reduce medical and treatment expenses [1]. There are many risk factors associated with CVD, that the effects of leptin, insulin resistance, and lipid profile are important [2,3]. Leptin is a cytokine released by adipose tissue that regulates the appetite and represents a considerable factor in the development of obesity [4]. The studies showed that the leptin concentrations were positively correlated with body fat in obese and normal-weight adults and it seems that with further storage of triglycerides in adipose tissue, the release of leptin increases [5,6]. Besides, there is a positive association between CVD and lipid profile [7]. The lipid profile includes Total Cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) and very Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (VLDL-C) [8]. For the purpose of CVD risk reduction, management of TC, LDL-C, TG, and HDL-C is of clinical benefit [9].
As mentioned previously, insulin resistance is one of the cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin resistance is a pathological condition in which body cells fail to respond normally to the insulin, glucose absorption is impaired, and as a result, the amount of glucose in the bloodstream increases [10] which leads to different diseases, such as CVD. Of course, there were several molecular mechanisms contribute to the relation between insulin resistance and CVD, that can be mentioned the role of insulin resistance in atherosclerosis development, vascular function, hypertension and macrophage accumulation [11].
Most studies indicate that regular exercise training leads to beneficial effects on cardiovascular indices such as blood lipids, insulin resistance and leptin concentration [12,13]; however, the duration and intensity of exercises should be enough. Sheikholeslami-Vatani, et al. reported that concurrent training is the best method to enhance health level, improve physical fitness and decrease cardiovascular risk factors [14]. Concurrent training can be defined as incorporating both resistance and endurance exercise elements within a training regime. Hickson investigated the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training for the first time [15]. There are several studies available in the literature regarding the effects of performing combined resistance-endurance exercise on cardiovascular risk factors. Hakimi, et al. showed that 8 weeks of concurrent training (resistance-endurance) significantly decreased TC, TG and LDL, and increased HDL significantly [16]. Tadibi, et al. examined the effect of 8 weeks of combined endurance and resistance training on serum leptin levels in type 2 diabetic men and showed that serum leptin concentrations decreased significantly [17]. Also, Attarzadeh-Hosseini, et al. demonstrated that 8 weeks of combined training (endurance-resistance) reduced levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance index and body fat percentage in the middle-aged men [10]. Nevertheless, a shortage of time is one of the commonest reasons for people that fail to do regular physical activity, that there were greater focus and attention on acute exercises, thus use of concurrent endurance and resistance exercise may also serve to improve space and time management. Azerbaijani, et al. have reported a significant reduction in leptin concentration and insulin resistance index concentration after a single session of combined aerobic and resistance exercise in men with sedentary lifestyle [18]. On the other hand, Cruz, et al. demonstrated that serum leptin did not change after one session of combined training [19].
The order of endurance and resistance exercise in the concurrent exercise session, at least in theory, could influence acute physiological responses. Drummond, et al. and Villaca Alves, et al. demonstrated that in the post-exercise VO2 was significantly greater when endurance exercise was performed before resistance exercise [20,21]. Against these results, Oliveira and Oliveira reported that the order of execution did not affect the Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) magnitude and duration [22]. In addition, Jones, et al. showed that blood cortisol and lactate concentrations were greater when endurance exercise was conducted prior to strength exercise [23].
Despite the various results of conducted studies, it is not clear if resistance and endurance are combined in the concurrent exercise session, which one could be a priority and primer is concurrent exercise to achieve better results in serum leptin level, profile lipid and insulin resistance index. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating and comparing the effects of two methods of combined exercise (resistance-endurance and endurance-resistance) on lipid profile, leptin serum and insulin resistance index in non-athlete overweight female students.
The present study was a semi-experimental, randomized clinical trial, conducted in accordance with a pre-test and post-test design. The study population consisted of female students of Payame Noor University of Marivan, Iran. According to entry criteria, thirty non athlete healthy young female students volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: Concurrent Resistance-Endurance (CRE) exercise group (n = 10), Concurrent Endurance-Resistance (CER) exercise group (n = 10) and control (C) group (n = 10). Descriptive and functional characteristics of the subjects at baseline are presented in Table 1. According to the medical information questionnaire, all subjects were healthy. Inclusion criteria comprised of age, gender, BMI range between 25-30 kg/m2 (as overweight), lack of acute physical problems (e.g., cardiovascular and respiratory disease, skeletal injury), and lack of regular exercise training in the previous year. On the other hand, exclusion criteria included use of nutritional supplements during study, neurological or inflammatory disease and cardiac arrhythmia interfering during exercise, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and any absolute contraindications to acute exercise and withdrawal or unwillingness to continue to participate in the study for any reasons. The Institutional Review Board of the University approved of the research protocol.
Table 1: Descriptive and functional characteristics of subjects at baseline. View Table 1
One week before the start of the exercise session, two familiarization sessions were used to determine the endurance and resistance exercise. During these sessions, the subjects were given explanations about the assessment procedures, study objectives, the possible benefits and risks, and also, subjects were familiarized with the study protocol and finally signed a consent form. Also, the menstrual cycle of subjects were controlled by a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions regarding the regularity of the menstrual cycle and including the absence of a menstrual period, and finally, the subjects who were in the menstrual phase or have an irregular menstrual cycle or without exact statements on the time of their last menstruation were not included in the study.
In addition, the participants completed a validated food intake questionnaire, and made a 72-hour food record to determine if three groups had similar diets. Furthermore, in mentioned sessions, subjects were given instructions for the use of the body building machines and proper form of each exercise. Following the familiarization which involved exercise participants in correct lifting techniques, One Repetition Maximum (1RM) of the prescribed movements was determined using the Brzycki equation [24] and also, to determine the intensity of endurance exercise, maximum heart rate (HRmax) was measured for each person using the following formula [25]. HRmax = 208 - (0.7 × Age)
The concurrent exercise session consists of two exercise training: Concurrent Resistance-Endurance (CRE) exercise and Concurrent Endurance-Resistance (CER) exercise. CRE and CER groups performed the same aerobic and weight exercises and the difference between two exercise training (CRE with CER) was only in the order of resistance and endurance components. In other words, CRE was performed resistance exercise before endurance exercise, but CER was performed endurance exercise before resistance exercise. The resistance training consisted of 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 80% of 1RM for leg extensions, lying leg curl, triceps pushdown, bench press and lateral pull down. Recovery period were 2 and 3 minutes between sets and exercises, respectively. Also, the endurance exercise consisted of running at 70-75% of HRmax for 15 min [14]. General and specific warm-up were performed prior to training session that consisted of running with 50% of HRmax (5 min), and then perform 2 sets of 12 repetitions of the first resistance exercise at 40% of 1RM (10 min), and in the end, 5 min of cool down was performed by stretching movements. Recovery time between endurance and resistance components in concurrent exercise session was 5 minutes. It should also be stated that the C group do not received an intervention during study.
Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein (5 mL of whole blood) in the morning following a 12-hour overnight fast a minimum of 24 hours before and after the concurrent exercise session. For the determination of lipid profile, leptin and insulin resistance index levels, the blood samples were centrifuged for 15 minutes at 3000 rpm at 4 ℃ and serum was kept frozen at -80 ℃ until analysis. TC, HDL and TG were assessed by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Analysis was performed using commercial kits (Pars Azmoon Inc., Tehran, Iran) and a selectra 2 auto-analyzer (Vital Scientific, Spankeren, Netherlands). The Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were: 0.5%, 2% for TC, 0.6%, 1.6% for TG and 4.6%, 4.6% for HDL, respectively. LDL cholesterol was estimated by the Friedewald formula [26]: LDL-C = TC - HDL-C -TG/5. Serum leptin concentration was measured by the ELISA method using human leptin kit (Mediagnost, Reut-lingen, Germany). The intra-assay coefficient of variation and sensitivity were: 5%, 0.1 ng.mL-1, respectively. In addition, serum insulin level was assayed by the ELISA technique (sandwich) using human insulin kits (DRG-Diagnostica, GmbH, Germany). The sensitivity was: 5.0 μIU/mL and the intra and inter-assay coefficient of variation were both 6.45%, and, respectively. Also, the glucose concentration was measured by the enzymatic colorimetric method using commercial kits (Pars Azmoon Inc., Tehran, Iran). The inter-assay coefficient of variation and sensitivity were: 1.2%, 1.0 mg.dL-1, respectively. Insulin resistance was determined using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and was calculated from fasting insulin and fasting glucose as follows [27]:
HOMA-IR = fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/405
Data normality was verified through the Shapiro-Wilk test and the homogeneity analysis of the variances through the Levene test. To evaluate the difference in within groups (pretest to posttest), Student's t-test for paired values was used and also one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used to compare data of the three groups with post hoc analyses conducted using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) method to locate means that were significantly different. All of the statistical procedures were processed with the SPSS version 22. A level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
In this study, the Shapiro-Wilk test indicated that data were normally distributed. Also, One-way ANOVA test demonstrated that there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics in the 3 groups. According to Table 2, the results of the present study showed that TC, TG and LDL levels significantly decreased in the two experimental groups after one session of combined training compared to the pre-test. However, no significant change was observed in HDL levels and the lipid profile of the control group. On the other hand, the results of intergroup comparisons showed that there were significant differences among the groups in other lipid profile indices except for HDL (P = 0.121). Accordingly, the control group showed significant differences with CRE group in TC (P = 0.043), TG (P = 0.036) and LDL (P = 0.044) factors and compared to the CER group, these factors (TC (P = 0.043), TG (P = 0.036), LDL (P = 0.044)) are in a better state for the experimental groups. However, there is no significant difference between the effect of two experimental groups in terms of TC (P = 0.326), TG (P = 0.619) and LDL (P = 0.026).
Table 2: Lipid profile changes in the control and experimental groups following single session of concurrent training. View Table 2
Furthermore, the mean changes in fasting glucose; serum leptin and insulin resistance levels for CRE, CER and C groups are shown in Table 3. Leptin serum decreased significantly in only two experimental groups after one session of combined training and no significant changes were observed in the control group. There was a significant difference in leptin serum levels in the control group compared to the CRE (P = 0.045) and the CER groups (P = 0.039) so that the leptin serum level is reduced in the experimental groups compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the effects of two intervention methods on leptin serum (P = 0.414). The results of this study also showed that plasma glucose was not significantly different in the post-test compared to the pre-test and there was no significant difference between the groups. On the other hand, insulin serum levels and insulin resistance index were significantly decreased only in the two experimental groups in the post-test compared to the pre-test. These changes were significant compared to the control group, so that the serum insulin and insulin resistance index in CER group compared to control group (insulin (P = 0.046), insulin resistance index (P = 0.034)) as well as CER group compared to control group (insulin (0.041)) and insulin resistance index (P = 0.029) were significantly reduced. However, there was no significant difference between the two experimental groups in each of the insulin factors (P = 0.312) and insulin resistance index (P = 0.263).
Table 3: Leptin, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance index changes in the control and experimental groups following single session of concurrent training. View Table 3
The results of the present study showed that one session of combined training (resistance and endurance) reduced TC, TG and LDL in the two experimental groups significantly. However, there is no significant change in the HDL index. In addition, there were no significant changes in the lipid profile of the control group and between the two experimental groups. Consistent with the findings of the present study, Hojati, et al. in a study of 21 diabetic women reported the acute effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise with a significant decrease in TG and TC levels 24 hours after exercise [28]. Sillanpaa, et al. in a study of 62 female (middle-aged and old) subjects, reported that endurance, strength, and combined strength and endurance training significantly decreased blood cholesterol and LDL-c levels and increased HDL levels significantly [29]. Monteiro, et al. also reported that aerobic exercise and synchronous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise significantly decreased cholesterol, VLDL, and HDL levels in the obese adolescents [30]. Contrary to the findings of the present study, Ihim, et al. in a study of 48 inactive young men, showed that the combination of intense resistance exercise (squat and chest press) and endurance exercise (jogging) had no significant effect on TG, LDL, and cholesterol levels [31]. The reasons for the inconsistency of this study are the duration, intensity, gender, and type of training. It has been reported that long-term or single-session of combined resistance and endurance exercise has beneficial effects on lipid profile. Most of these studies have been performed without regard to the order of exercises (resistance and endurance) and there is slight information in this regard. The mechanism of effect of this type of exercise on improving lipid profile is related to the enzymatic processes involved in lipid metabolism. In this regard, an increase in the enzyme activity of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) has been reported [32]. Sugiura, et al. argued that regular exercise activities decrease LDL, TG, TC and HDL levels by increasing the activity of LPL and Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) [33]. However, one limitation of the present study was the lack of measurement of these enzymes. Endurance exercise by reducing fat mass and strength exercise by increasing muscle mass are both important mechanisms in increasing energy expenditure [34]. Therefore, one of the favorable effects of combined exercise is an increase in caloric expenditure and the advantageous effects on lipid profile. Therefore, these effects in the present study may be due to the caloric expenditure and subsequent lipid oxidation. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the effects of the two combined exercise modes on lipid profile, which may be due to the caloric expenditure of the two exercise modes as the intensity; volume and duration of the trainings were equal in both groups.
In the present study, fasting glucose was not significantly different in the post-test in comparison with the pre-test groups. On the other hand, serum insulin levels and insulin resistance index were significantly decreased only in the two post-test compared to the pre-test of experimental groups, which was significant compared to the control group. However, there were no differences between the two experimental groups in any of the insulin factors and insulin resistance. Consistent with the results of the present study, Azarbayejani, et al. in the study of 10 young inactive men observed that after one session of combined endurance (treadmill running for 20 minutes with 60-70% of maximal oxygen consumption) and Resistance (with 70% of maximal repetition) exercise, the insulin resistance index had a significant decrease. However, plasma insulin levels decreased but this decrease was not significant [18]. Assarzadeh-Noushabadi and Abedi reported that combined aerobic-resistance exercise reduced insulin level and insulin resistance; however, they did not observe a change in fasting glucose level [35]. On the other hand, Banitalebi, et al. in a study of overweight elderly women reported that combined strength and endurance exercise had no significant effect on their insulin resistance index but decreased fasting glucose levels [36], which is inconsistent with the findings of the present study. None of the studies considered the order of strength and endurance exercise; however, there was no difference between the two types of exercise in the present study. Various mechanisms have been reported in the field of resistance and endurance exercise effect on insulin and insulin resistance such as increased protein kinase activity that activates adenosine monophosphate, glucose and mRNA transporter proteins, clearance of free fatty acid, muscle glucose access, glycogen synthase and hexokinase activity and postsynaptic insulin signals due to resistance and endurance exercise [37].
In addition, leptin levels were significantly decreased in the two experimental groups after one session of combined training compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the effects of two experimental methods on leptin serum. Consistent with the present results, Azarbayejani, et al. by investigating sedentary young men, observed that their leptin serum levels decreased significantly after one session of endurance and resistance training [18]. Abedi, et al. also examined changes in leptin levels of obese men after endurance and strength regardless of their order. They found that leptin serum levels and insulin resistance index decreased significantly after the end of combined training [38]. Asad, et al. also examined and compared the effects of resistance, endurance, and combined training on leptin levels in male students and reported that leptin levels decreased significantly because of these exercises; however, there were no significant differences between the three training modes [39]. In a number of studies, the results are inconsistent with the present study. As Cruz, et al. examined the effect of one session of combined resistance (65% intensity of a maximal repetition) and endurance (50 min cycling at 65% of maximal oxygen consumption on a fixed bike) training on leptin serum level of 20 overweight young girls and boys. They reported that performing one session of combined training could not significantly alter leptin serum [19]. Rosa, et al. also showed that one session of resistance and endurance training could not cause significant changes in overweight young subjects [40]. Among the possible reasons for the inconsistency of the results of this study with the present study is the intensity of different exercise and various leptin changes induced by different physiological profiles of the subjects. According to research, regular physical activity of any type of endurance, resistance or combined exercise with negative energy balance is likely to decrease leptin levels [39]. On the other hand, Jürimäe, et al. examined changes in leptin serum levels following short-term training and there is a possibility of decreased leptin serum levels in intense short-term training [41]. Therefore, perhaps one of the reasons for the decrease in leptin serum in this study is the appropriate intensity of the combined exercise. Other possible mechanisms of the effects of intense exercise such as combined exercise on leptin depletion include decreased plasma glycogen, increased peripheral tissue glucose uptake in the presence of lactate, acidosis, and increased adrenal sympathetic stimulation [42]. In this study, considering the combination of resistance and endurance exercise and its intensity, factors such as glycogen depletion, increased sympathetic stimulation and increased peripheral tissue glucose uptake are likely to be effective mechanisms for lowering leptin levels, although the order of exercise did not show any significant difference. Other possible mechanisms for lowering leptin serum include insulin depletion, as insulin depletion has been reported to decrease leptin mRNA and leptin serum levels [43]. As mentioned earlier, the insulin levels of the subjects in this study decreased by intense administration of combined exercise; therefore, this decrease may be one of the possible causes of leptin depletion in the present study. One of the most important causes of obesity and overweight is attributable to an increase in body fat mass and increase in leptin serum concentration. Some research has shown that physical activity reduces leptin levels not only by decreasing fat mass but also by increasing leptin sensitivity [42], which may be one of the possible causes of decreased leptin levels in the present study. Of course, a great amount of research is to be done in this field to obtain comprehensive results. Studies by measuring the enzymatic changes as well as changes in hormones such as cortisol and testosterone along with the enzymatic changes are needed to investigate the mechanism of the intense effect of combined resistance and endurance exercise.
Generally, in the present study, the lipid profile, insulin resistance index, and leptin serum, which are important predictors of health and predictors of cardiovascular disease in overweight girls, were examined. It can be concluded that although there was no significant difference between the order of implementing the combined resistance and endurance exercise and the above-mentioned factors, performing the one-session combined resistance and endurance training in overweight girls could have favorable effects on lipid profiles, insulin resistance index and leptin serum levels. In addition to the long-term training periods, the intense performance of this type of exercise could be also considered.