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Purpose was to determine effects resistance training/weight loss induced changes in muscular strength and flexibility have on net walking oxygen uptake (netVO(2)). Sixty-seven premenopausal women lost 12 kg. Before weight loss subjects were assigned to diet (WL) or diet/3 days per week resistance training (WLRT). Resting energy expenditure, oxygen uptake while walking at 4.84 km h(-1) on the flat and up 2.5% grade, isometric knee extension strength, and flexibility of the knee extensors and plantar flexors were measured. Strength increased in WLRT (+36 N) but not in WL (-24 N). NetVO(2) decreased significantly while flat walking (7.3%) and 2.5% grade walking (5.7%) in WLRT, but not in WL. Delta strength was negatively while delta knee extensor and plantar flexor flexibility were positively related to delta netVO(2). Decreases in walking and grade netVO(2) were independently and positively related to increased knee extension strength and decreased knee extensor and plantar flexor flexibility.

The article discusses a study which was aimed to determine the optimal frequency of combined aerobic and resistance training for improving muscular strength (MS), cardiovascular fitness (CF), and functional tasks (FTs) in women older than 60 years. The study included 63 women who were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 exercise training groups. The study found no significant differences for MS, CF, or FT outcomes between groups.

The article reports on research conducted to investigate the impact weight loss and exercise training had on oxygen uptake and heart rate response during locomotion. Researchers evaluated 73 overweight women who were assigned to diet and aerobic training, diet and resistance training, or diet only. They found that resistance training increased strength, aerobic training increased maximum oxygen uptake and that no significant differences in reduction of heart rate were seen in any of the groups.

Background: Although physical inactivity is believed to contribute to the rising prevalence of obesity, the role and magnitude of its contribution to weight gain are unknown. Objective: We compared total free-living activity energy expenditure (AEE) and physical activity level in women successful and unsuccessful at maintaining a normal body weight. Design: Premenopausal, generally sedentary women were studied at their normal weight and 1 y later after no intervention. Two groups were identified on the basis of extreme weight changes: maintainers (n = 27) had a weight gain of ≤ 3% of their initial body weight ( ≤ 2 kg/y) and gainers (n = 20) had a weight gain of > 10% (> 6 kg/y). At baseline and follow-up, evaluations were conducted during 4 wk of diet-controlled, energy-balance conditions. Free-living AEE and physical activity were assessed with the use of doubly labeled water, exercise energy economy and muscle strength with the use of standardized exercise tests, and sleeping EE and substrate utilization with the use of chamber calorimetry. Results: Maintainers lost a mean (±SD) of 0.5 ± 2.2 kg/y and gainers gained 9.5 ± 2.1 kg/y. Gainers had a lower AEE (P < 0.02), a lower physical activity level (P < 0.01), and less muscle strength (P < 0.001); these differences between groups remained significant from baseline to follow-up. Sleeping EE, exercise economy, and sleeping or 24-h substrate utilization were not significantly different between the 2 groups. A lower AEE in the gainers explained ≈ 77% of their greater weight gain after 1 y. Conclusion: The general US population should increase their daily physical activity levels to decrease the rising prevalence of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]