Step aerobic combined with resistance training improves cutaneous microvascular reactivity in overweight women.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on body weight and cutaneous microvascular reactivity in overweight individuals.A total of 41 overweight women aged 30-45 years (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) were randomized into sedentary time control (CON; N.=15), traditional aerobic dance (AD; N.=11), and step aerobic dance combined with upper-body resistance training (SAR; N.=15) groups. Exercise programs were 50 minutes/session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks.Maximal oxygen consumption and 1-RM strength of lower body increased (P<0.05) in the AD and SAR groups. Body mass and BMI decreased (P<0.05) in the SAR group. Plasma concentration of adiponectin increased (P<0.05) whereas leptin concentration did not change. Peak postocclusive reactive hyperemia measured by laser-Doppler fluxmeter improved (P<0.05) in the SAR group. These changes were not observed in the CON or AD groups. Peak occlusive reactive hyperemia was positively and significantly correlated with adiponectin level (r=0.23).The present findings suggest that simultaneously performed step aerobic dance and resistance training exerts more favorable effects on weight loss and improving cutaneous microvascular reactivity in overweight women.