Resistance training lowers exercise-induced oxidative stress and homocysteine levels in overweight and obese older adults

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Nov;14(11):1921-30. doi: 10.1038/oby.2006.224.

Abstract

Objective: To compare exercise-induced oxidative stress and levels of homocysteine and cholesterol in normal-weight and overweight older adults after resistance exercise (RX).

Research methods and procedures: This interventional study was conducted at a wellness center. Forty-nine older adults (age range, 60 to 72 years) were stratified by BMI (<25 kg/m(2) normal weight, > or =25 kg/m(2) overweight/obese) and then randomly assigned to either a control non-exercise group or an RX group. The RX group completed a 6-month training program. Exercise-induced lipid hydroperoxides (PEROXs) and thiobarbituric-reactive acid substances, homocysteine, lipoprotein a, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured before and after the 6-month RX program.

Results: PEROXs and thiobarbituric-reactive acid substances were lower in both the overweight/obese and normal-weight RX-trained groups compared with control groups (p < 0.05). Homocysteine levels were lower in both overweight/obese and normal-weight RX groups compared with control groups (p < 0.05). Lipoprotein a, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not different in normal-weight and overweight/obese groups before or after RX. The change in muscle strength was correlated with homocysteine at 6 months (r = -0.452, p < 0.05), whereas the change in PEROXs was correlated with the change in body fat (r = -0.329).

Discussion: To our knowledge, these data are the first to show that RX reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress and homocysteine regardless of adiposity, indicating that this protection can be afforded in an older, overweight/obese population as effectively as in healthy older adults. These data suggest that RX may afford some protection against emerging cardiovascular risk factors using a mode of exercise that supports body weight.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cholesterol / blood*
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood
  • Female
  • Homocysteine / blood*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation*
  • Lipoprotein(a) / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Obesity / blood*
  • Overweight
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / analysis
  • Weight Lifting / physiology*

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Lipoprotein(a)
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Homocysteine
  • Cholesterol