Investigation of the effect of progressive resistance exercise targeting muscles with high rate of TYPE 1 fibers on aerobic capacity in young sedentary individuals

Aerobic capacity is an important criteria determining the individuals' physical capacity as well as limiting it. Despite being an important key to improve this capacity, performing aerobic exercise is not always possible for every individual. This study investigated the effects of progressive resistance exercise, as an alternative to aerobic exercise, targeting five different muscles with high rate of type 1 fibres with oxidative characteristics on aerobic capacity in young sedentary individuals. Investigation involved 36 volunteers who were identified as sedentary according to global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) score. With anthropometric measurements and bio impedance method, body mass index and fat free mass measurements were performed. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to determine aerobic capacity, VO2 max, anaerobic threshold and other related parameters including breathing reserve. The individuals recruited to study were divided into three groups. First group performed progressive resistance exercise targets five muscles (soleus, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, adductor magnus, vastus medialis) for six weeks, while second group performed walking exercise at 65-75% of maximal heart rate. Control group didn't perform any exercise. The type 1 targeting resistance training improved VO2 max, comparing the similar duration walking and control group (p=0.032, p=0.02). Breathing reserve was 51.5% initially and decrease to 38,7% in progressive resistance training group. Anaerobic threshold time was 12:31±03:56 min initially and then rose to 13:45±03:00 min. But it wasn't statistically important compared to walking and control group (p=0.561, p=0.194). It was concluded that this kind of exercises could be beneficial for individuals, can't perform aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming.