Comparative Analysis of Physical Function and Adipomyokines According to Exercise Type in Obese Elderly Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different types of exercise on physical function and adipomyokine levels in obese older women.METHODS: A total of 45 obese women aged 65 years or older were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an aerobic exercise group (AEG), a resistance exercise group (REG), and a control group (CG), with 15 participants in each. The AEG and REG participated in an 8-week intervention consisting of three 60-minute exercise sessions per week, while the CG maintained their usual daily activities. Physical function and serum adipomyokine levels (Irisin and FGF-21) were assessed before and after the intervention.RESULTS: Both the AEG and REG showed significant reductions in body mass and body fat (<i>p</i><.001). Muscle mass significantly increased in the REG (<i>p</i><.01). Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) increased in the AEG (<i>p</i><.05) and REG (<i>p</i><.01), and BMI significantly decreased in both groups (<i>p</i><.001). Waist circumference decreased in the AEG (<i>p</i><.01) and REG (<i>p</i><.001), and hip circumference decreased in both groups (<i>p</i><.01). Irisin levels significantly increased in the AEG (p<.01) and REG (<i>p</i><.05), as did FGF-21 levels (<i>p</i><.01 in both). Grip strength improved significantly in the REG (<i>p</i><.01), and chair stand performance improved in the AEG (<i>p</i><.01) and REG (<i>p</i><.001). Arm curl performance increased in the AEG (<i>p</i><.01) and REG (<i>p</i><.001). The 2-minute step test showed significant improvements in both the AEG and REG (<i>p</i><.001). The 244-cm timed up-and-go test times significantly decreased in the AEG and REG (<i>p</i><.001), indicating improved agility.CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic and resistance exercise interventions in obese older women with sarcopenic obesity led to significant improvements in physical function and increases in adipomyokines (Irisin and FGF-21), compared to no exercise. These findings suggest that both aerobic and resistance training are effective and necessary components of exercise programs for this population, regardless of modality.