Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to assess the effects of concurrent aerobic-resistance training on Hs-CRP and body composition in sedentary middle-age men.

Background. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary cause of death and disability in both men and women worldwide. Moreover, it has been shown that high sensitivity- C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), as a marker for future cardiovascular events, has an inverse relationship with physical fitness in sedentary individuals. However, it is suggested that lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity have therapeutic and protective effects against CVD.

Method.Thirty sedentary middle- aged men (aged 30–50 years) voluntarily participated in this research and assigned in one of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Participants in experimental group performed the progressive concurrent training, three days a week for eight weeks. At baseline and after 8 weeks, venous blood samples were obtained to measure Hs-CRP concentration. Moreover, body composition and anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, body fat percentage) were measured. Data were analyzed by using paired and independent t-tests.

Findings. After 8 weeks of concurrent training, a significant decrease was seen in serum Hs-CRP in the experimental group compared to control group (p<0.05). Moreover, the concurrent training induced a significant decrease in body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist to hip ratio (p<0.05), while these parameters remained unchanged in the control group.

Conclusion. According to this study, 8-week concurrent exercise training resulted in beneficial improvement in body composition and HS-CRP. Accordingly, it can be concluded that they can be effective therapeutic methods to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary middle-age men.