Effects of combined physical exercise on plasma lipid variables, paraoxonase 1 activity, and inflammation parameters in adults with obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether combined physical exercise may affect plasma lipid variables, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, and inflammation parameters in adults with obesity. METHODS: Thirty-six participants were recruited to complete the study protocol. The mean age was 37 ± 1 years, and the baseline body mass index was 33.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2. Participants were allocated to the control group (CG) and the exercise group (EG). The EG performed three weekly sessions of combined physical exercise for 16 weeks. Plasma lipid variables, PON1 activity, and inflammatory profile were determined before and after intervention. RESULTS: Total cholesterol levels decreased in both groups, without intergroup difference (time p = 0.001). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels decreased in both groups (time p = 0.001); however, they were lower in the EG than in the CG (p = 0.038). The EG had increased HDL-C levels, but the CG had decreased HDL-C levels (time*group p = 0.011). PON1 activity was reduced in both groups (time, p = 0.001). The Castelli risk Index I and II reduced in the EG and increased in the CG (time*group, p = 0.008 and p = 0.011, respectively). The inflammatory markers were not modified. CONCLUSION: Adults with obesity may benefit from regular practice of combined physical exercise training in many metabolic aspects that are related to protection against the development of cardiovascular disease.

The use of outdoor gyms is associated with women and low-income people: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, and the demographic, socio-economic, and health correlates to Outdoor Gyms (OGs) use for adults from a southern Brazilian city. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 431 adults (66.8% women) aged 18-87 years living in the surroundings of four OGs distributed in different regions of the city were randomly selected. Information about OG use for physical activity (PA) practice, and demographic, socio-economic, and health variables were collected by household interviews. Associations between independent variables and OG use were analyzed with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: About one-third of participants (30.4%; 95% CI: 26.1-34.7) informed using OGs for PA practice, and 20.4% (95% CI 16.8-24.4) informed using it twice or more times a week (≥2x/week). Adjusted analysis indicated that the OG use ≥2x/week is higher for women (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.11-3.35) and for those with lower family income (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03-4.13) than men and those with higher family income, respectively. CONCLUSION: About 30% of the population uses OGs for PA practice. Women and low-income people are those who more commonly use OGs for PA practice. The installation of these facilities in public spaces may reduce social inequities related to leisure-time PA.