Comparison of 12-Week Fitness Protocols Following Bariatric Surgery: Aerobic Exercise Versus Aerobic Exercise and Progressive Resistance

Background Successful bariatric surgery outcomes are better maintained with an exercise program. This pilot study compared the effects on short-term functional capacity and body composition of 2 post-bariatric surgery home-based programs: aerobic exercise alone versus aerobic exercise combined with progressive resistance conditioning. Methods Laboratory measures and self-assessments of post-bariatric surgery patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) undergoing either aerobic exercise (AE group) or aerobic + progressive-resistance exercise (AEPR group) were compared at postoperative months 1 and 3. Anthropometric characteristic changes were recorded, as well as changes in functional capacity (e.g., 6-min walking test), muscle strength (e.g., hand grip strength test; five-times-sit-to-stand test), and quality of life (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory). Results Between July 2018 and March 2019, 35 patients completed the AE ( n = 17) or AEPR ( n = 18) program. The AEPR group lost statistically significantly more weight (mean 2.2 kg) relative to baseline than the AE group ( p