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FITNESS AND EFFICIENCY OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN OBESE WOMEN AND MEN

P. Anna, S. Krzysztof, Z. Michal, M. Cezary, P. Karol

Abstract

Introduction: The efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory system is an important factor determining the physical performance and health of subjects. The aim of the study is to present and compare the state of physical fitness, including cardiovascular and respiratory systems of obese women and men. Methods: 12 women and 12 men of similar age and possessing Io obesity were subjected to the study. After recording the age of the subjects and the basic anthropometric features in resting conditions and during graded cycloergometric test at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold load and at the maximum load were determined selected circulatory and respiratory variables. Results: Study have shown that obese men have higher aerobic power (AP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), pulmonary ventilation (VE), absolute oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide (VCO2) excretion, and VO2/HR ratio (p<0.001) and relative VO2 values (p<0.002) than obese women. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in women group was significantly higher than in men (p<0.002). Moreover, it was shown that the applied effort affected similarly the examined women and men, significantly changing all variables determined in the study (p<0.001) with the exception of diastolic pressure (DBP) values. There was also a statistically significant interaction effect of the studied groups and the physical effort applied during the study in relation to the following variables: CO (p<0.043), SV (p<0.022), VE (p<0.001), absolute VO2 values (p<0.002), VCO2 (p<0.001), VE/VCO2 (p<0.032), and VO2/HR. Conclusions: Obtained results differ from the values obtained by lean people and the occurring differences between women and men are mainly related to the various body mass of the subjects. Therefore, one can risk a statement that the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of obese women and men are similar.

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