Effect of three methods of combined training (strength and endurance) on serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in overweight elderly women

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three methods of combined training (strength and endurance) on serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in overweight elderly women. In this semi-experimental study, 40 elderly women (mean agepf 60.34±0.82 years, mean height: 155±0.01 cm, and mean weight: 71.72±1.89 kg) were enrolled using purposeful method and then randomly assigned to four groups: strength + endurance (n=10), endurance + strength (n=9), circulation combined (n=12), and control (n=9) groups. Serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance index were measured before, and 48 hours after the last training session. Training programs were implemented three days a week for eight weeks. Paired t - test was used for evaluation of differences within each group and one-way ANOVA to compare the groups with one another. After eight weeks of combined training, all three experimental groups showed significant reduction in weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and glucose (P≤0.05). Significant differences were found in weight (p=0.017) and BMI (p=0.023) between the 4 groups, but no significant differences were found in adiponectin and insulin resistance (p>0.05). According to the results of this study, despite positive changes in body composition and body fat percentage, none of the three methods of combined training caused a significant change in serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in the overweight elderly women.