Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of exercise orders and circadian rhythms on body composition, blood lipids, physical fitness and upper- and lower-extremity muscular functions in adult obese women. Forty-four women with obesity were divided into the obesity control group (OCG), aerobic-resistance exercise in the morning group (ARMG), resistance-aerobic exercise in the morning group (RAMG), aerobic-resistance exercise in the evening group (AREG), and resistance-aerobic exercise in the evening group (RAEG). The combined exercise program consisted of treadmill exercise and weight training, and all participants performed the exercise for 8 weeks. Body weight, body mass, body mass index and fasting glucose were significantly decreased in the RAMG at post. while other body compositions and blood lipids did not change at the post compared the baseline. Upper-and lower-extremity muscular functions and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index value was significantly lower in all exercise groups versus OCG. Our findings provide new evidence that resistance-aerobic exercise order in the morning might positively improve body weight, body mass, body mass index and fasting glucose in obese women. In addition, physical fitness and upper- and lower-extremity muscular functions and sleep quality might be improved by performing regular exercise programs regardless of exercise order and timing.