The physiological and psychological effects of resistance training on Chinese obese adolescents

The present study was to evaluate the effects of a moderately hypocaloric diet, with resistance training on obese adolescents' body composition, muscle strength, bone mineral density, blood lipids, glucose, and insulin levels. A total of 36 obese adolescents aged 10-17 were recruited. Fasting blood samples were collected for lipids, glucose and insulin levels. Body composition was measured by DEXA. Participants were assigned into intervention and control group randomly. Both groups ahd dietary intervention (hypocaloric balanced diet). Intervention group had resistance training, three times per week for six weeks. The resistance exercises were tailored to individual participants according to their baseline fitness level. The resistance was set at a level (70 to 85% of 1RM) that permitted at least 5 lifts with full range of motion. After six weeks, it was found that resistance trained participants demonstrated a decrease of resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, total triglycerides and insulin level. Likewise, and increase of bone mineral content and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in the intervention group, while percentage fat mass was maintained. However, all of the changes did not reach statistical significance except the bone mineral content. With regards to the psychological effects of resistance training in depression and anxiety, there was no statistical difference within each group and between the two groups. To summarize, there was a trend of imporvement in body composition, blood lipids, and insulin levels in the intervention group. Increased training period is recommended to bring on more significant changes in physiological and psychological constructs.