Effect of Powerlifting Exercises on Various Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese Individuals

Powerlifting is an individual endeavor that involves three attempts at lifting the heaviest possible weights in three key lifts: the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift. Compared to their lean counterparts, obese individuals tend to have higher cardiac output and lower total peripheral resistance, primarily due to increased stroke volume rather than heart rate changes. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of powerlifting exercises on various cardiovascular parameters in obese individuals. This research employs a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted at a CSJ Sports Rehab Centre, Bangalore, to recruit participants. Individuals with a BMI exceeding 30 and an age range of 25 to 42 years, exclusively male participants, and Regular engagement in gym activities for a minimum of three months. Thirty six individuals included in the study, and they were randomly divided into two groups.

The Intervention Group engaged in 30 minutes of Powerlifting exercises and 30 minutes of supervised fitness exercises. Meanwhile, the Control Group participated in 30 minutes of supervised fitness exercises and 30 minutes of aerobics. Participants' abdominal pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 levels were continuously monitored using pressure biofeedback equipment and a pulse oximeter. This study utilizes SPSS software version 24.0 for statistical analysis. Descriptive data are presented as the range, mean, and standard deviation. This study identified the Z score for the Intra-abdominal pressure as 2.041 (P=0.05), Heart rate as 2.9070 (P=0.05), Respiratory rate 5.109 (P=0.05), and SpO2 as 0.585 (P=0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that the effects of powerlifting exercises revealed a noteworthy decrease in abdominal pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2 levels among obese participants.