Ascertaining the Effectiveness of Strength-Aerobic Combined Exercise in Improving Body Composition among Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. The novelty of this study is a combination of strength and aerobic exercise, thereby enhancing the benefits of improving body composition. Aerobic exercise is effective for burning calories, which helps to lose fat, while strength exercise facilitates maintaining and building muscle mass. Objectives. This study aimed to demonstrate that a combination of strength-aerobic exercise can significantly improve the body composition of obese women. Materials and methods. This study was an experimental randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 20 participants consisting of obese women who were given the intervention for eight weeks with a frequency of 4x/week. The data collected included a body composition, measured using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer DC-360 (TANITA Corporation, Inc., IL 60005, USA). The data analysis techniques used were the paired sample t-test, with a significance level of 95 %. Results. The results obtained indicate that this combined exercise program significantly reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and body fat percentage (p < 0.05). In addition, the program also significantly increases fat-free mass and muscle mass (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The findings showed that a combination of aerobic exercise and endurance led to substantial improvements in body composition in obese women. These results confirm previous studies and provide scientific evidence for including a combination exercise program as part of an obesity management strategy.