Comparison of Concurrent (Resistance-Aerobic) and Aerobic Training on VO2max Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged Men at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Physical activity plays a protective role against cardiovascular disease via reducing risk factors. The purpose of this study was to compare effect of concurrent (resistance-aerobic) and aerobic training on lipid profile, blood glucose and blood pressure in middle-aged men at risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: Twenty-nine untrained male volunteers 36-56 years old participated in this study. The subjects were randomly placed into one of three groups (aerobic, concurrent (aerobic & resistant) and control). Body mass index, body fat percentage, glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after exercise training. Training program lasted for eight weeks and it was carried out 3 times per week. Statistical tests of paired t and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: Plasma TC, LDL, TG, glucose and HDL changed significantly with concurrent and aerobic training (p<0.05); but, there were no significant differences in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose low density lipoprotein (LDL) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures between concurrent and aerobic groups. Also, VO2max was elevated in the two training group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The result of the present study indicated that both aerobic and concurrent training resulted in improving the metabolic parameters related to cardiovascular risk in middle-aged men. However, each type of training also provides unique benefits.