Effects of 8 week resistance training on lipid profile and insulin levels in overweight/obese peri-pubertal boys-a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Approximately 30% of overweight/obese children display an adverse lipid profile. While weight loss is the commonly prescribed intervention, success in treatment has been limited. The substantial involvement of lipid metabolism by skeletal muscle suggests resistance training has the potential to improve lipid profile even in the absence of weight loss, although investigations in the pediatric population are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week resistance training program on lipid profile in overweight/obese peri-pubertal boys. Methods: 8 overweight/obese, peri-pubertal boys (ages 10-12) were randomized to either a control (n=3) or resistance training (n=5) group. The resistance training protocol included 7 exercises consisting of 3 sets with 10-15 repetitions to fatigue 3 days per week for 8-weeks. Fasting blood draw, strength testing and DXA were performed at baseline and 8-weeks for evaluation of lipid profile, strength, and body composition, respectively. Results: Following the intervention, a marginal decrease in LDL (p=0.08) and increase in TG (p=0.07) in the resistance trained group were observed while no changes were apparent in controls. There were significant improvements in lower body strength in the resistance-trained group, while there were significant improvements in upper body strength in the control group. Weight increased in RT whereas did not in control. Conclusion: In this pilot study, an 8-week resistance training program did not improvelipid profilein obese/ overweight peri-pubertal boys. However, the findings suggest a larger study with greater duration warrants consideration.