[Effects of an aerobic exercise program and diet on body composition and cardiovascular function in obese persons]. / Efectos de un programa de ejercicio aeróbico y dieta sobre la composición corporal y función cardiovascular en obesos.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a combination of aerobic exercise and hypocaloric diet on body composition, cardiovascular function and some cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients. Ten subjects, (8 women 2 men X age 30 years and 138% of ideal body weight) volunteered as participants. The program lasted 12 weeks and consisted of a hypocaloric diet (1257 kcal/day) and 3-5 days/week supervised sessions of aerobic exercise (65-90% maximal heart rate and/or 50-80% of maximal oxygen uptake). The program resulted in a significant mean decrease in body weight of 7.7 kg. for the group (P less than or equal to 0.05). Mean (+/- EE) relative body fat significantly decreased from 35.9 +/- 2 to 31.6 +/- 2%. Interestingly, the decrease in relative body fat was solely accounted for by a significant decrease in fat weight, as body free of fat remained constant. Cardiovascular function as evidenced by oxygen uptake, increased 11.3%. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell significantly from 131/90 +/- 8/9 to 115/76 +/- 2/1 mmHg. Total cholesterol significantly dropped from a mean value of 247 +/- 24 to 183 +/- 20 mg/100 ml (P less than 0.05). Triglycerides significantly decreased from 212 +/- 32 to 45 +/- 10 mg/100 ml (P less than 0.05). It was concluded that a combination of aerobic exercise and hypocaloric diet can favorably improve body composition, cardiovascular function and cardiovascular risk factors.

[Effects of orthostatism on heart rate and arterial pressure in sedentary subjects and in those in good physical condition]. / Efectos del ortostatismo sobre la frecuencia cardíaca y presión arterial en sujetos sedentarios y en los fisicamente acondicionados.

Heart rate (HR), Systolic (SBP), Diastolic (DBP), and Mean Blood Pressures (MBP), were evaluated during a resting sitting and during upright moveless positions, in fifty seven highly trained runners with a maximal oxygen consumption equal or superior to 55 ml/kg. min. (VO2 max greater than or equal to 55 ml/kg . min., group I), and in fifty seven sedentary untrained men (group II). During sitting position the members of group I, had a significantly lower DBP and MBP than the members of group II. In the members of group II the assumption of upright posture did not produce significant changes in blood pressure, whereas subjects of group I showed a significantly drop in SBP, DBP and MBP. The results of this investigation indicated that in human, vigorous physical activity produce lower values of arterial blood pressure, and might be of value in the prevention of high blood pressure. On the other hand, the observed responses in group I during orthostatism, reveal a different regulation of the cardiovascular system. Changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, venous compliance and plasma volume are designated as responsible of observed differences. This finding might also support the tendency to faintness reported by some authors in athletes.