Effects of 8 weeks aerobic training on body composition and plasma levels of insulin- like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in obese women

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training on body composition, insulin- like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) in obese women. 18 obese women were randomly selected and divided into two experimental (n=9; age=33.3±5.9 yrs; weight=76.0±12.9 kg; height=158.1±7.0 cm; VO2max=24.7±4.1 ml/kg/min; BMI=31.4±3.1 kg/m2) and control (n=9; age=33.7±4.6 yrs; weight=75.9±12.4 kg; height=154.2±6.5 cm; VO2max=24.7±2.7 ml/kg/min; BMI=31.7±3.6 kg/m2) group. The experimental group performed aerobic training 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks with 65-75% HRmax. Anthropometrical factors such as weight, body fat percentage, WHR and BMI were measured along with basal serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin and glucose before and after the training period. The results shown that BMI, body fat percentage, weight and WHR were significantly decreased and maximal oxygen consumption was increased after 8 weeks aerobic training program (p<0.05). However, serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin and glucose had no significant changes in experimental and control, both, groups (p>0.05). It is likely that due to a insufficient exercise intensity and period, no significant changes in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, and glucose were found. Anthropometric factors and aerobic fitness, however, were developed after this training program in obese women