Effects of combined training on heart rate variability and cardiac function and structure in individuals with grade 1 obesity.

Combined training improved echocardiographic functional variables related to systolic and diastolic function in obese middle-aged men.

• Improvements were observed in systolic myocardial velocity, early diastolic myocardial velocity, the ratio of early to late diastolic myocardial velocity, peak early diastolic filling velocity, and the ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling
• The study included 28 obese middle-aged men: 16 in the combined training group (CTG) and 12 in the control group (CG)
• The intervention lasted 24 weeks with sessions three times per week (~60 min per session)
• No dietary modifications were made during the intervention

Combined training significantly enhanced heart rate variability parameters in individuals with grade 1 obesity.

• Significant enhancements were detected in RR interval, RMSSD, and low- and high-frequency components of HRV
• The combined training group performed resistance training followed by aerobic training (strength training followed by aerobic training)
• The control group did not engage in any structured training program
• HRV improvements were observed concomitantly with reductions in visceral adiposity

Combined training reduced visceral adiposity as measured by ultrasonography-based abdominal fat estimation.

• Reductions in visceral adiposity were documented following the 24-week intervention
• Abdominal fat was estimated using ultrasonography
• No dietary modifications were implemented during the study period
• Visceral adiposity reductions occurred alongside improvements in cardiac functional and HRV parameters

Significant correlations were observed between adaptations in cardiac functional indices and HRV indices with clinical variables.

• Significant correlations were found between adaptations on cardiac functional and HRV indices with clinical variables
• The study evaluated body composition, physical fitness, ultrasonography-based abdominal fat estimation, echocardiographic parameters, and HRV
• The interrelationship between changes in HRV, cardiac parameters, and adiposity induced by combined training in obese individuals was a primary focus of the study
• These correlations suggest a close association between enhanced HRV and favorable cardiac functional adaptations

Excess body fat, particularly in the abdominal region, increases cardiovascular disease risk, and aerobic training can beneficially affect HRV and cardiac structure and function.

• Aerobic training can induce beneficial effects on heart rate variability (HRV), as well as on cardiac structure and function, along with favorable changes in body composition
• The interrelationship between changes in HRV, cardiac parameters, and adiposity induced by combined training in obese individuals was described as unclear prior to this study
• The study focused on individuals with grade 1 obesity without dietary modifications to isolate the effects of exercise