Effects of upper-body resistance exercise training on serum nesfatin-1 level, insulin resistance, and body composition in obese paraplegic men.

Background: As a recently discovered adipokine, nesfatin-1 is conducive to insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, energy balance, and probably obesity.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of upper-body resistance exercise training (RET) on nesfatin-1 levels, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and body composition in obese paraplegic men.

Methods: Twenty obese paraplegic men were randomly assigned into control and upper-body RET groups. Upper-body RET was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week at an intensity corresponding to 60-80% maximum amount of force that can be generated in one maximal contraction in 5 stations (bench press, seated rows, sitting lat pulldown, arm extension, and arm curls). Body fat percentage was determined according to 4-sites skinfold protocol of Durnin and Womersley and Siri equation. Obesity for spinal cord injury patients in the current study was set at BMI >22 kg/m. Data were statistically analyzed by paired and independent t-test (P < 0.05).

Results: We found significant improvements in serum levels of nesfatin-1 (21.13%), insulin sensitivity (8.95%), and high-density lipoprotein (10.87%). Other lipid profile markers, i.e. low-density lipoprotein (4.32%), cholesterol (8.20%), and triglyceride (15.10%) reduced significantly after upper-body RET. Moreover, upper-body RET led to a significant reduction in body mass index (2.36%), body fat percentage (2.79%), and waist-to-hip ratio (2.40%).

Conclusion: Upper-body RET improved insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and body composition in paraplegic men. Serum nefastin-1 may be a potential marker of success in weight management in this population.