Physical and cardiovascular performance in cases with acromegaly after regular short-term exercise

Abstract

ObjectiveImpaired physical performance is a disturbing complication of acromegaly. We aimed to evaluate the role of regular exercise in amelioration of the impaired physical performance in acromegaly. MethodsPatients with acromegaly were divided into two groups according to their participation in a prescheduled programme of exercise. Participants in the study group were exercised 3days a week for 3 consecutive months. Exercise tolerance was evaluated by maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) and time (T) taken to complete the Bruce protocol, muscle flexibility by the sit and reach test (SRT) and muscle strength by the hand grip strength test (HGST). Concomitantly, anthropometric assessment was performed using body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), skinfold measurements from 8 points, percentage body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM). ResultsAfter 3months of exercise, VO(2)max and T were higher in cases that exercised than in cases that did not (P=0004 and P=0001). Over 3months, within the exercise group, VO(2)max and T of the Bruce protocol increased (P=0003 and P=0004) and heart rate during warming decreased (P=004). SRT increased within the exercise group after 3months (P=0004). HGSRT did not change significantly (right P=006 and left P=02). The sum of skinfolds, BMI, WHR and LBM remained stable over the study period (P=01, P=008, P=03 and P=009). PBF decreased slightly and FM decreased significantly over 3months (P=005 and P=003). ConclusionEven short-term exercise may improve impaired physical performance, muscle activity and disturbed body fat composition in acromegaly.