Article

Our objective was to evaluate the specific effect of isokinetic muscle
strength enhancement in the rehabilitation of obese subjects by comparing two
groups (isokinetic muscle exercising associated with aerobic exercising or only
aerobic exercising). METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective
study from January 2008 to December 2009 involving 40 obese patients randomized
into two groups. The first group G1 (n=20) followed a program of aerobic training
and isokinetic exercising of the extensor and flexor muscles of lower limbs and
spine. The second group G2 (n=20) followed only a program of aerobic exercising.
All patients completed their rehabilitation protocols comprising 3 sessions per
week for two months. The parameters evaluated before and after the program were
anthropometric parameters (weight, stature, body mass index, body fat and lean
body mass percentages), cardiovascular parameters by stress test on
electromagnetic ergo-cycle, an assessment of muscle strength by isokinetic
dynamometer and an assessment of psychological status and quality of life.
RESULTS: We recruited 36 women and 4 men. Initially, the 2 groups were
comparable. After training, in both groups we noted an improvement in
anthropometric parameters, with an average weight loss of 1.83kg/week (P<0.001),
an improvement in cardiovascular parameters with a decrease in heart rate at rest
and under effort, and in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure values at
rest and under effort (P<0.01 in both group), an improvement in parameters of
muscle strength with increase in moment of maximum strength of extensor and
flexor knee and spine muscles for all three test speeds, and an improvement in
psychological status and in quality of life. The improvement of all these
parameters was statistically greater in G1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Isokinetic
muscle strengthening increases the effects of aerobic exercising in the obese by
improving muscle strength, increasing lean body mass and reducing body fat.
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Langue : ANGLAIS