The Effect of Aerobic Exercise in Overweight and Obese Women

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition, Cardiovascular System and Autonomic Stress Response, and Cognition in Overweight and Obese Women

Study design The study was designed as a prospective controlled randomized trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the experimental group, participants (n = 17) received 8-week aerobic exercise intervention without nutrition modifications. In the control group, participants (n = 16) did not undergo any intervention and were instructed to maintain their regular physical activity and diet regime for 8 weeks.

Experimental measurements: Anthropometric measurements, Measurement of BDNF, Cardiac autonomic responses, Measurement of aerobic fitness, Measurement of cognitive functions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. obese women (BMI) > 25 kg/m2;
2. exhibiting weight stability (body weight change < 2 kg) for at least 2 months prior to enrollment;
3. with a sedentary lifestyle (regular exercise < 1 h/week);
4. had no medical condition that would affect study results and limit physical activity;
5. not undergoing lactation;
6. who were not pregnant or postmenopausal.