The Synergy Effect of Weight-Bearing Circuit Training and Aloe QDM Complex on Obese Middle Aged Women: a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health problem and leads to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Recently, it was reported that aloe QDM complex, composed of processed aloe vera gel, aloesin and chromiun could improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein (AMPK) activity and has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is also known that aloe QDM complex can reduce body weight, body fat mass and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. The purpose of this study was to assess for possible synergistic effects of weight-bearing circuit training and aloe QDM complex supplementation on body composition, physical fitness, blood profile and diabetes risk factors. METHODS: Study subjects included 19 participants randomly assigned to the Exercise group (Ex, n=9) and to the Exercise with aloe QDM complex group (Q-Ex, n=10). Both groups participated in weight-bearing circuit training 3 times a week for 4 weeks and took a capsule composed of either aloe (aloe QDM complex) or soy bean (placebo), 1100 mg/day for 4 weeks. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Grip strength, flexibility, curl-up, balance, agility, Sargent jump and VO2max were measured, as well as fasting blood samples taken. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of weight-bearing circuit training and aloe QDM complex supplementation, the significant interactions (time x intervention) between the groups regarding body fat percentage (F=7.024, P=0.017) and body fat mass (F=5.243, P=0.035) were calculated. There were significant differences in body fat percentage (P=0.029) and body fat mass (P=0.039). No significant interaction was observed in physical fitness, blood profile and diabetes risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the combination of weight-bearing circuit training and aloe QDM complex supplementation showed a positive effect for reducing body fat mass, and could be an effective intervention for managing obesity.