Impact of Aerobic Versus Anaerobic Exercises on Cardiopulmonary Functions in Obese Subjects

Objective: This study was designed to determine the effect of aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise on the cardiopulmonary functions. Subjects, material and methods: The present work was conducted on 40 adult obese subjects. Their age ranged between 20 and 28 years old and the subjects were divided into two equal groups. The first group performed aerobic exercise training program the duration of exercise was 12 weeks, at a frequency of 4 sessions per week in addition to diet regimen and the second group performed anaerobic exercise training program the duration of exercise was 12 weeks, at a frequency of 2 sessions per week in addition to diet regimen. Cardiopulmonary functions were measured in both groups before and after the exercise program. Results: The results of the study showed that there were a significant improvement in the cardiopulmonary functions in the aerobic exercise group, but the anaerobic exercise program indicated non significant changes in the Cardiopulmonary functions. Also the results indicated that there was a significant reduction in weight in both groups. Conclusion: It is recommended to use aerobic exercise and diet regimen in order to reduce weight and improve cardiopulmonary fitness.