Effect of 8-Week Aerobic Exercise on Anthropometric Indices, Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Inactive Men

The sedentary lifestyle is related to the incidence of various diseases and metabolic disorders. Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) can be considered as an appropriate criterion predicting coronary heart disease. This study aimed to investigate the Effect of 8-week aerobic training on anthropometric Indices, the Atherogenic Index of Plasma, and some cardiovascular risk factors in inactive men.

In the current quasi-experimental study, 40 inactive employees with a Mean±SD age of 36.17±8.97 years and body mass index of 26.60±4.12 kg/m2 after obtaining testimonial voluntarily performed aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks (each session 45 to 60 minutes) with 70 percent of maximal heart rate. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure serum variables. Data were analyzed by paired t-test at the significant level of P<0.05.

Statistical analysis showed that after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, Body fat percentage (P=0.04), cholesterol (P=0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (P=0.03), TG/HDL ratio (P=0.01), TC/HDL ratio (P=0.001), and apo-B (P=0.01) decreased significantly. Also, VO2max (P=0.011) and HDL (P=0.010) increased dramatically after 8 weeks of participation in aerobic activity. 

According to the results, an increase in physical activity can probably reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, physical activity with lowering the risk factors of developing CVD events and significant prevention of its progression, the beneficial properties of physical activity are underscored, and promoting its effectiveness as support for healthier lifestyles in the community and particularly among inactive men is emphasized.