Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the time course of leptin, adiponectin, and resting energy expenditure (REE) responses in overweight aged males following acute resistance exercise (RE) protocols of various intensity configurations.

Research Design and Methods. Forty inactive men (65-82 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=10/group): control, low-intensity RE, moderate-intensity RE, and high-intensity RE. Exercise energy cost, REE, leptin, adiponectin, cortisol, insulin, lactate, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and glycerol were determined at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and during a 72-hour recovery period.

Results. Exercise energy cost was lower in high-intensity compared to low-intensity and moderate-intensity (221.6±8.8 vs. 295.6±10.7 and 281.6±9.8 kcal, P<0.001). Lactate, glucose, NEFA, and glycerol concentrations increased (P<0.001) post-exercise and returned to baseline thereafter in all groups. REE increased (P<0.001) in all groups at 12h in an intensity-dependent manner (P<0.05). REE reached baseline after 48h in low- and moderate-intensity groups and after 72h in high-intensity group. Cortisol peaked in all active groups post-exercise (P<0.001) and remained elevated (P<0.001) for 12h. Following adjustment for plasma volume shifts, leptin remained unaltered. Adiponectin concentration increased after 12h and remained elevated for 24h only in high-intensity group (P<0.001).

Conclusions. RE does not alter circulating leptin concentration but increases REE and adiponectin in an intensity-dependent manner for as long as 48h and 24h, respectively, in overweight elderly. It appears that RE may represent an effective approach for weight management and metabolic control in overweight eldelry.