Effects of exercise training at lactate threshold and detraining for 12 weeks on body composition, aerobic performance, and stress related variables in obese women

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of diet plus exercise training and detraining for 12 weeks on body composition, aerobic performance, and stress-related variables in obese women. [Methods] Twenty-five women in their 20s-40s with 30% body fat and body mass indices above 25 kg/m² were divided into HR_LT (heart rate at lactate threshold) and HR_LT + 5% groups. Dietary intervention of 70% recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and exercise treatment composed of aerobic exercises on a bicycle (30 min) and treadmill (30 min) were then performed. These interventions were performed three times a week for 12 weeks. [Results] Dietary intake was significantly decreased, while daily activity significantly increased within the 12-week intervention period, and this effect was sustained after 12 weeks of detraining. Exercise training based on dietary intake and daily activity presented a significantly decreased weight and % body fat, improvement of aerobic performance, and a significant increase in heart rate variability (HRV) (e.g., average of all RR intervals and the square root mean squared differences of successive RR intervals) as stress-related variables. It was also confirmed that the improvement of body composition and stress-related variables were maintained even after detraining. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that 70% RDA of dietary intervention and exercise training corresponding to HR_LT and HR_LT + 5% for 12 weeks were effective in improving body composition and aerobic performance, and relieving stress. In particular, enhanced HRV persisted for up to 12 weeks after the end of exercise training in obese women.