In this study, we verified the hypothesis that aerobic exercise training could increase adiponectin, a newly identified adipocyte-derived antiatherogenic plasma protein, in connection with the improvement of exercise tolerance and the reduction of body fat. We randomly divided the sedentary middle-aged subjects in to two groups: one that engaged in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week for 3 months (exercise group, n=14), and one age-matched group that underwent no modifications in physical activity (control group, n=12). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), indices of body fat, serum lipids and serum adiponectin levels were analyzed bifore each experiment and after 3 months of exercise training or after 3 months of no modifications in activity (control group). Visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the umbilical level were determined by computed tomographic scanning. VO₂max increased and body weight decreased significantly following the 3-month exercise training period. Significant reductions in VFA and SFA were observed after the exercise. Also, there was a significant increase in serum adiponectin levels following the 3-month exercise training period (5.2±2.2 to 5.9±2.6 μg/ml; p<0.02), however, no significant change was observed in all parameters of the control group. Furthermore, the changes in serum adiponectin levels were correlated with changes in VO₂max, body weight and VSA as a result of the exercise training. In conclusion, mild aerobic exercise training increases serum adiponectin levels through the improvement of exercise tolerance and the reduction of abdominal obesity.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.24/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE