Improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers, aerobic fitness, and functional performance following a physical therapy weight loss program

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of a current physical therapy and weight loss program model on exercise performance, physical function, and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients. Design: Retrospective pre-post design. Subjects: A total of 192 patients who previously underwent testing of anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular biomarkers, and lower extremity function scale (LEFS) were included. Results: There was a significant reduction in body weight [5.91 ± 3.47 (95% CI, 5.4 to 6.4) kg; p < 0.001; n = 187] and waist circumference [7.1 ± 5 (95% CI, 6.3 to 7.9) cm; p < 0.001; n = 187]. Submaximal exercise capacity (VO_2ex) increased by [5.29 ± 4.74 (95% CI, 4.38 to 6.19) ml/kg/min; p < 0.001; n = 107], and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) improved by [9 ± 11 (95% CI, 7 to 12) scale points; p < 0.001; n = 75]. Both systolic (pre SBP: 125.7 ± 15 vs. post SBP: 118.4 ± 12 mmHg; p < 0.001; n = 150) and diastolic (pre DBP: 78.5 ± 10 vs. post DBP: 74 ± 8.5 mmHg; p < 0.001; n = 150) blood pressures as well as fasting blood glucose (pre FBG: 112.8 ± 37 vs. post FBG: 99 ± 18 mg/dL; p < 0.001; n = 132) were significantly reduced. Conclusions: This study indicates the importance and significance of weight loss in improving physical function and cardiometabolic risk profiles across a cohort of outpatient physical therapy patients. Our study also suggests that weight loss can be achieved in a comprehensive exercise intensive physical therapy program for obese patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Biomarkers
• obesity
• physical therapy
• risk factors
• weight loss

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge and thank Randy Frieser, the staff, and patients at Revolution Physical Therapy and Weight Loss clinics (Chicago, IL) for assistance and participation in this study.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding

Revolution Physical Therapy and Weight Loss provided partial financial support for the completion of this study.