Effects of eight-week aerobic exercises combined with resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in women

Abstract

Study aim: Main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of moderate-intensity exercises for eight weeks, combined with cardio and resistance exercises, on the cardiovascular risk factors for women.

Material and methods:Atotal of 30 volunteer females between the ages of 40 and 65 participated in the study. The volunteers were divided into two groups as exercise and control. The exercise group was given exercises three days aweek. Height, weight, body mass index, waist, hip, waist-to-hip ratio, resting blood pressure, resting heart rate, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, glucose levels were collected before and after the exercise program.

Results: There was asignificant decrease in weight, body mass index, hip circumference levels after the exercise program (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was detected for waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios p > 0.05). While asignificant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides levels of the exercise group was observed after the exercise program (p < 0.05), no significant change was found in glucose, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: It was observed that moderate intensity exercises combined with cardio and resistance exercises resulted with positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors.