Impact of short-term circuit resistance training on women with severe obesity awaiting bariatric surgery: A non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of a four-week circuit resistance training (CRT) program, integrated with a multidisciplinary program for bariatric surgery (MPBS), on body weight, body mass index (BMI), functional capacity, and biochemical markers in women with severe obesity awaiting bariatric surgery. A two-arm, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted with fourteen participants enrolled in the MPBS, divided into either the CRT group (n = 8; average age 39.9 ± 13.46 years, BMI = 46.8 ± 9.3 kg.m−2) or the control group (CON, n = 6; average age 33.2 ± 5.6 years, BMI = 46.0 ± 6.11 kg.m−2) for convenience. The CRT group engaged in eight sessions of circuit resistance training, twice a week for four weeks. At baseline and follow-up, participants were assessed for body weight, BMI, lower limb muscle strength, body balance, flexibility, lipid profile, and fasting glucose. An as-treated analysis was used to address whether the CRT protocol was beneficial if performed. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was executed to verify possible between-group differences, with baseline values included as the covariate. At the four week follow-up, the CRT group presented a significant reduction in body weight (CRT: -3.05 [-4.22, -1.89] kg; CON: -0.25 [-2.79, 2.29] kg; p = 0.023), and BMI (CRT: -1.16 [- 1.77, -0.75] kg.m-2; CON: -0.08 [-1.07, 0.90] kg.m-2; p = 0.017) compared with the CON group. The CRT group showed a significant increase in the sit-to-stand test (STS) performance (CRT: +4.38 [3.49, 5.26] reps.; CON: 0.00 [-2.10, 2.10] reps.; p = 0.003). No significant changes were observed in the biochemical markers, body balance, and flexibility within or between groups. Performing four weeks of CRT with a MPBS proved to be a feasible strategy before bariatric surgery, possibly improving body weight, BMI, and lower limb muscle strength for women awaiting BS.