Different cycle ergometer outcomes in severely obese men and women without documented cardiopulmonary morbidities before bariatric surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The number of severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery is increasing. No incremental cycle ergometer data are available in this category of patients. The current study was undertaken to provide information and to compare outcomes between severely obese men and women during physical exercise.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Twenty-two men and 34 women, all with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m(2), were selected from among persons participating in a dedicated weight management program that was carried out in the outpatient clinic of a large teaching hospital.


RESULTS
Body composition was estimated with bioelectrical impedance. Oxygen uptake (Vo(2)) was obtained by breath-by-breath minute ventilation (ventilated hood) and was measured under resting energy expenditure (REE) conditions. Endurance was measured with an incremental cycle ergometer test. Male and female groups were balanced for mean (+/- SD) age (42.7 +/- 7.6 vs 41.8 +/- 8.9 years, respectively), BMI (43.0 +/- 4.9 vs 41.3 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2), respectively), and fat weight (55.5 +/- 14.0 vs 56.8 +/- 2.2 kg, respectively). Fat-free mass (FFM), FFM index, fasting blood glucose level, insulin level, REE, and Vo(2) at rest and during subjective maximal endurance were higher in the male group. However, maximal Vo(2) (women, 119 +/- 19% predicted; men, 92 +/- 16% predicted) and anaerobic threshold were higher in the female group (women, 64 +/- 12% predicted; men, 48 +/- 76% predicted, respectively; p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Severely obese men were more carbohydrate-intolerant and sustained less physical endurance than was predicted according to standards in comparison with obese women. The cycle ergometer data indicated that male gender was associated with less physical fitness.
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Reinier de Graaf Groep Delft and Voorburg, Fonteynenburglaan 5, PBX 998, 2270 AZ Voorburg, the Netherlands.
Jacqueline G
JG
Dolfing
Emile F
EF
Dubois
Bruce H R
BH
Wolffenbuttel
Nienke M
NM
ten Hoor-Aukema
Dave H
DH
Schweitzer
D000328:Adult; D049088:Bariatrics; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016552:Ergometry / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology