Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Inactivity and obesity are of the consequences of industrial life, as the trend of increasing prevalence of obesity has negative effects on the respiratory system. Aerobic exercises and omega-3 fatty acids are paid close attention due to their physiological effects on different systems of the body. The present study was carried out in order to examine the effect of 8-week aerobic exercise and consumption of omega-3 supplement on pulmonary function in obese men.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 obese men with average age of 32.3±3.05 years, weight of 97.8±7.4 kg, waist-hip ratio of 1.01±0.022, Body Fat of 31.53±2.52 Percent and BMI of 32.3±2.61 kg/m2 were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 10 participants: placebo, supplement, training-placebo, training-supplement. Aerobic training program consisted of running with intensity of 55-85% HRmax for 8 weeks, 25-45 minutes and thrice a week. Amount of consuming supplement daily 1000 mg of omega-3 and placebo was also 2% dextrose. The values of variables were measured 48 hours before and after the exercises. Data analysis was carried out using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of 5%.
Results: The effect of the exercise on body fat percentage weight decrease was significant without considering the effect of the supplement (p<0.05). Exercise and supplement caused a significant increase in the values of FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25-75, FIV1, and PIF (p<0.05). The effect of the exercise on the increase in VO2max and PEF was significant without considering the effect of the supplement (p<0.05). Exercise, supplement, and combination of exercise and supplement had no significant effect on the size of chest circumference at both inspiration and expiration (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Regular aerobic exercise and consumption of omega-3 are two modifying and effective factors in increasing respiratory parameters; therefore, they improve respiratory status in obese men.