Obesity (BMI>30), Overweight (BMI > 25)
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of upper body-based and lower body-based combined training on serum levels of myostatin (MSTN) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in overweight and obese men. Myostatin is a myokine involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth and adipose tissue metabolism, while HSL is a key enzyme involved in lipolysis and fat mobilization. Thirty-six overweight and obese men were assigned to either an upper body combined training group, a lower body combined training group, or a non-exercising control group. The intervention consisted of 10 weeks of combined resistance and aerobic training performed three times per week. Serum levels of MSTN and HSL were measured before and after the intervention to determine whether upper body-focused and lower body-focused combined training produce different effects on markers associated with muscle growth and lipid metabolism.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALUpper Body Combined Training
Participants completed a 10-week upper body-focused combined training program performed three times per week. Each session included six upper body resistance exercises (chest press, rowing machine, biceps curl, triceps extension, shoulder press, and abdominal machine exercises) followed by aerobic exercise on a hand ergometer. Resistance training was performed for 3 sets during the first 5 weeks and 4 sets during weeks 6-10, with 8-12 repetitions per set. Aerobic exercise began at 20 minutes and increased by 1 minute each week, reaching 29 minutes in the final week. Exercise intensity was maintained at approximately 57-66% of maximum heart rate during aerobic training.
BEHAVIORALLower Body Combined Training
Participants completed a 10-week lower body-focused combined training program performed three times per week. Each session included six lower body resistance exercises (leg press, leg extension, leg flexion, leg abduction, leg adduction, and calf raise exercises) followed by aerobic exercise on a leg ergometer. Resistance training was performed for 3 sets during the first 5 weeks and 4 sets during weeks 6-10, with 8-12 repetitions per set. Aerobic exercise began at 20 minutes and increased by 1 minute each week, reaching 29 minutes in the final week. Exercise intensity was maintained at approximately 57-66% of maximum heart rate during aerobic training.
Sponsors
Arya Habibi
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
No masking was used in this study. Participants, investigators, and study personnel were aware of group assignments due to the nature of the exercise interventions.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three parallel groups: an upper body combined training group, a lower body combined training group, or a non-exercising control group. Each intervention group completed a 10-week training program consisting of resistance and aerobic exercise performed three times per week, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle habits.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
20 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male participants aged 20 to 45 years. * Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m². * Overweight or obese status. * No participation in regular resistance or aerobic exercise during the previous 6 months. * Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus. * Presence of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. * Musculoskeletal or joint injuries that could interfere with exercise participation. * Use of anti-obesity medications. * Use of anabolic steroids, sports supplements, or fat-burning supplements. * Regular alcohol consumption or tobacco use. * Absence from more than two training sessions during the intervention period. * Withdrawal of consent or unwillingness to continue participation.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in serum myostatin (MSTN) concentration | Baseline and 10 weeks | Serum myostatin concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program. |
| Change in serum hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) concentration | Baseline and 10 weeks | Serum hormone-sensitive lipase concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The outcome was assessed before the intervention and 48 hours after completion of the 10-week training program. |
Countries
Iran
Outcome results
None listed