The Effect of Eight Weeks of Resistance Training with Dumbbell and Theraband on the Body Composition and Muscular Strength in the Middle-aged Obese Women: a Clinical Trial

Exercise training can be viewed as a proper tool to prevent obesity and sarcopenia, but strength training is the best way to increase muscle mass. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effect of resistance training with dumbbell and theraband on body composition and muscular strength in older adults’ women. In this clinical trial study, 27 sedentary obese healthy women were randomly assigned to 3 groups: free weights (FWG), elastic tubing resistance (ETG), and control group (CG). Both resistance training groups trained four times a week for 8 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up, resistance training with dumbbells and theraband and 5 min cool down. Body composition components were measured using standardized techniques, and Repetition Maximum-1 (1-RM) was employed for muscular strength test. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc test, and paired t-test. The results of the study showed that after 8 weeks of strength training, there was a significant difference between the CG and resistance groups in body fat percent, body fat mass, and body fat free mass (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the CG and two resistance groups and in body weight, body mass Index, arm circumference, thigh circumference, and waist to hip ratio (p>0.05). But, there was a statistically significant difference between the CG and resistance training groups in one-repetition maximum test (p<0.05). Types of resistance training with dumbbells and theraband can safely be a convenient way to increase muscle mass and strength and reduce fat percentage in middle-aged women.