Gender differences in anthropometric data and in blood pressure values after a 10 weeks training program

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of overweight and obesity and the and incidence of non-communicable diseases increased dramatically over the past 20 years in GCC countries includes Qatar (1,2). The early screening and the propagation of the regular physical activity is essen- tial in the country. The aims of the study were: 1. to map the body composition and blood pressure of young Qatari adults (18-30yr), 2. to determine changes in it after a 10 weeks training program. Methods: 158 Qataris were involved to the study [men (n=89), women (n=69)] from Qatar University (QU). We measured systolic (BPS) and diastolic (BPD) blood pressure body high, body weight, % body fat and the regular physical activity (PA) was assessed by IPAQ. Pre-hypertensive/hypertensive and overweight/obese subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected and involved into the 10 weeks training program (3-5 times/week, 30-60 minutes/session, 55-60% of the HRmax). The training sessions on 3 times/week were guided by an instructor, the other 2 trainings were individually performed by the subjects followed by a written training schedule. Results: 28.3% of males were overweight and 34.8% were obese; where females were 23.2% and 17.4%, respectively. Male subjects had significantly higher BMI values than females (27.38±6.24 vs. 23.24±5.57 p<.001). IPAQ results shown that vigorous, and moderate type activity didn’t differ between genders, but in low intensity PA (walking) females were more active than males 111min/week vs. 88 min/week, p<.001. Males attended frequently on the face-to-face training sessions than females (2.3 vs. 1.45 hours/week, p<0.05). The 10 weeks training program induced significant reduction in BDP (78.00±6.06 vs. 74.81±10.2 mmHg, p<0.05), BW (91.12±16.31 vs. 85.2±15.28 kg, p<0.01), %BF (31.15±9.0 vs. 21.19±4.38 p<0.01), in male subjects but we couldn’t established these differences in females. Discussion: The used intervention induced substantial changes in most of the meas- ured parameters in males. The total PA in both genders was far away from the recommendation so it is crucial to pay attention its benefi- cial effects. Because the PA social image is differ in Qatar than in other Western countries to maintain the motivation, the suitable duration and the intensity of the PA, continuous control by a sports expert seems to be effective.