Resistance exercise and aerobic exercise when paired with dietary energy restriction both reduce the clinical components of metabolic syndrome in previously physically inactive males

Association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease-related outcomes in adults-A meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, previous research on the effects of PA and SB on CVD has been relatively homogeneous. Our study investigated the association between PA, SB, and CVD-related outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their inception to September 2022. We identified eligible studies according to PICOS: the populations comprised healthy adults, the interventions or exposures were PA or SB, the outcomes were CVD-related outcomes, and the study designs were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies (LS). Outcomes were pooled using fixed or random effects models, and the quality of individual studies was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Instrument and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Results

A total of 148 RCTs and 36 LS were included, comprising a total of 75,075 participants. The study quality was rated as low to moderate. We found an increased hazard ratio (HR) for CVD in the population with SB (HR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26 to 1.43; I² = 52.3%; P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001, random model) and a decreased HR for CVD in those who performed long-term PA (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.77; I² = 78.0%, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001, random model). Long-term PA improved the lipid profiles in healthy adults; participants in this group exhibited increased high-density lipoprotein (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.00 to 3.76; I² = 84.7%; P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001, random model), decreased triglycerides (WMD = -7.27; 95% CI: -9.68 to -4.87; I² = 0%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.670, fixed model), and lower total-cholesterol (WMD = -6.84; 95% CI: -9.15 to -4.52; I² = 38.4%, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001, random model).

Conclusions

Long-term SB increases the risk of CVD in healthy adults, whereas PA reduces the risk of CVD and improves indicators associated with CVD. However, the ability of PA to improve blood lipids appeared to be limited. The detailed association of SB and PA on CVD needs to be further investigated in the future.

Impact of different training modalities on anthropometric outcomes in patients with obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Obesity management guidelines consistently advise aerobic training for weight loss, whereas recommendations for other training modalities are sparse. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the long-term effects of different training modalities on anthropometric outcomes in patients with obesity. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched to identify the following: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs); (2) conducted in adults with a mean body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² ; (3) comparing aerobic, resistance, combined, or high-intensity interval training head-to-head or to control for ≥6 months; and (4) reporting changes in body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), or fat-free mass (FFM). Random-effects NMA models were fitted in a frequentist approach. GRADE framework was used to assess certainty of evidence. Thirty-two RCTs with 4774 participants with obesity were included in this review. Aerobic training was ranked as best for improving BW, BMI, and WC and combined training for improving FM, as well as equally with resistance training most effective for improving FFM. Low to moderate certainty of evidence supports use of aerobic training to improve anthropometric outcomes in obesity, and its combination with resistance training provides additional benefit for reducing FM and increasing FFM.

Effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on circulating apelin-12 and apelin-36 concentrations in obese middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The risk for obesity-related diseases increases with the prevalence of obesity. In obesity, adipokines secreted from adipose tissue induce inflammation, causing adverse effects. Recently, adipokines such as apelin, visfatin, and chemerin have been studied. Long-term resistance training improves health in middle-aged women by improving metabolic risk factors, body composition, and muscle strength. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the association of apelin concentration with different exercise types in middle-aged obese women This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance exercises on apelin-12 and apelin-36 levels and thereby verify the effects of different exercise types in obese, middle-aged women.

METHODS

Participants were middle-aged women aged 50-61 years, with no experience of systematic exercise in the last 6 months, and met the WHO obesity criteria for the Asia-Pacific region of waist circumference ≥ 80 cm and body fat percentage ≥ 30%. Subjects were selected and allocated to the aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or no exercise group by block randomization. Body weight, body fat, and body mass index were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Analysis of variance, the t-test, and Tukey's post-hoc test were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 24 participants were selected with eight participants in each group. Both aerobic and resistance exercises were effective in altering the physical composition, showing significant decreases in weight, waist circumference, BMI, and body fat. The aerobic and resistance exercise group showed a significant, positive change in apelin-12 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese individuals, aerobic and resistance exercise were effective in improving obesity and reducing blood apelin-12 concentration, which is closely correlated with indicators of metabolic syndrome. Future research should focus on comparing the response of apelin to exercise in obese subjects treated with only dietary control and the response in the obese subjects of different ages and sex.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No. 1040917-201,506-BR-153-04 , Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (05 October 2018, retrospectively registered).

Tratamiento médico-quirúrgico de la obesidad en el SAHOS

La obesidad es uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes en los trastornos respiratorios relacionados con el sueño. Más de 70% de los pacientes con síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) presenta algún grado de obesidad. La pérdida de peso, ya sea médica o quirúrgica, debe ser un objetivo primordial en el manejo del SAHOS al mejorar el índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH) en un alto porcentaje, el cual se debe estimular en todos los pacientes. Siempre se debe iniciar con cambios en el estilo de vida a través de intervenciones con múltiples componentes que incluyen hábitos alimentarios, actividad física y soporte psicológico. Si después de 3 a 6 meses de tratamiento no se han alcanzado las metas de peso establecidas, se pueden formular medicamentos contra la obesidad o cirugía bariátrica. El riesgo actual de someterse a una cirugía bariátrica es bajo y los beneficios son evidentes.

Similar cardiometabolic effects of high- and moderate-intensity training among apparently healthy inactive adults: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, and exercise training is an important factor in the treatment and prevention of the clinical components of MetS.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training and steady-state moderate-intensity training on clinical components of MetS in healthy physically inactive adults.

METHODS

Twenty adults were randomly allocated to receive either moderate-intensity continuous training [MCT group; 60-80% heart rate reserve (HRR)] or high-intensity interval training (HIT group; 4 × 4 min at 85-95% peak HRR interspersed with 4 min of active rest at 65% peak HRR). We used the revised International Diabetes Federation criteria for MetS. A MetS Z-score was calculated for each individual and each component of the MetS.

RESULTS

In intent-to-treat analyses, the changes in MetS Z-score were 1.546 (1.575) in the MCT group and -1.249 (1.629) in the HIT group (between-groups difference, P =  0.001). The average number of cardiometabolic risk factors changed in the MCT group (-0.133, P = 0.040) but not in the HIT group (0.018, P = 0.294), with no difference between groups (P = 0.277).

CONCLUSION

Among apparently healthy physically inactive adults, HIT and MCT offer similar cardiometabolic protection against single MetS risk factors but differ in their effect on average risk factors per subject. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02738385 registered on March 23, 2016.

Effect of a High-Protein Energy-Restricted Diet Combined with Resistance Training on Metabolic Profile in Older Individuals with Metabolic Impairments

Adequate protein intake and resistance training are effective strategies to maintain muscle mass, but the effect of their combination on metabolic profile during weight loss remains to be determined in older adults. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of a 16-week high-protein caloric restriction combined with resistance training on chronic disease risk factors in obese older individuals with metabolic impairments. A total of 26 overweight adults aged between 60 and 75 years (BMI 32.4 ± 3.9 kg/m2) with at least 2 factors of the metabolic syndrome participated in this study and were randomized into two groups: 1) high-protein caloric restriction (HP; n= 12) and 2) high-protein caloric restriction combined with dynamic-resistance training (HP+RT; n=14). Caloric intake was reduced by 500 kcal/d in all participants and protein intake equated 25-30% of total calories (~1.4 g/kg/d). Exercise training consisted of 3 session/week of resistance training on pulley machines. Outcome measures included total and trunk fat mass (FM), total and appendicular lean body mass (LBM), fasting glucose level, lipid profile and blood pressure. Our results showed that total and trunk FM (all p<0.0001) as well as fasting glucose (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p=0.002) and total cholesterol (p=0.03) levels decreased similarly in both groups. However, total (p=0.04) and appendicular (p=0.02) LBM decreased in the HP group only. Our data show that high-protein energy restriction improves health profile of obese elderly at high risk of chronic disease but needs to be combined with resistance training to maintain LBM.

Resistance training reduces systolic blood pressure in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Aim

To evaluate the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors through comparison with a control group.

Design

Meta-analysis comparing resistance training interventions with control groups. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and assessed their quality and data. The pooled mean differences between resistance training and the control group were calculated using a fixed-effects model.

Data sources

The MEDLINE, PEDro, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus and The Cochrane Library databases were searched from their earliest records to 10 January 2015.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors with a control group were included. All types of resistance training, irrespective of intensity, frequency or duration, were eligible.

Results

Only systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced, by 4.08 mm Hg (95% CI 1.33 to 6.82; p<0.01), following resistance training. The pooled effect showed a reduction of 0.04 mmol/L (95% CI −0.12, 0.21; p>0.05) for fasting plasma glucose, 0.00 (95% CI −0.05, 0.04; p>0.05) for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.03 (95% CI −0.14, 0.20; p>0.05) for triglycerides, 1.39 mm Hg (95% CI −0.19, 2.98; p=0.08) for diastolic blood pressure and 1.09 cm (95% CI −0.12, 2.30; p=0.08) for waist circumference. Inconsistency (I²) for all meta-analysis was 0%.

Conclusions

Resistance training may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels, stroke mortality and mortality from heart disease in people with metabolic syndrome.

Trial registration number

CRD42015016538.

Cardiometabolic risk factor response to a lifestyle intervention: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Strategies to increase adherence to national dietary and physical activity (PA) guidelines to improve the health in regions such as the Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) of the United States are needed. Here we explore the cardiometabolic responses to an education and behavior change intervention among overweight and obese adults that adapted the 2010 Dietary Guidelines (DG), with and without a PA component.

METHODS

White and African American overweight and obese adults were randomized to a DG group (n=61) or a DG+PA group (n=60). Both groups received a 12-week dietary education and behavior change intervention, and the DG+PA group also received a PA education and behavior change intervention with a pedometer. Changes in individual risk factors (blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and a continuous cardiometabolic risk score were determined. General linear models compared mean changes between groups, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

No main effect of intervention group was found in completers (n=99) and those who engaged with ≥80% of the intervention (n=83) for individual risk factors or the continuous risk score. Pooling both groups, those with higher baseline risk factor values realized greater improvements in individual risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Adapting DG did not produce any cardiometabolic benefits, even with a PA component. Although the sample was ostensibly healthy, they were all overweight to mildly obese (body mass index of 25-34.9 kg/m(2)) and participants with higher baseline risk factor values showed more improvements. Adherence to longer-term behavior change may elicit changes in risk profile, so this should be explored.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on cardiometabolic risk factors among professional athletes in the heaviest-weight class

BACKGROUND

High prevalence of metabolic diseases among young professional athletes with large body sizes has raised growing attention. However, few studies specifically examined whether additional aerobic exercise provides cardiometabolic beneficial effect among these young athletes under regularly intensive strength training.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a pilot trial to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise on overall metabolic syndrome (MetS), individual MetS components, and aerobic capacity among metabolically unhealthy athletes in the heaviest-weight class.

METHODS

Forty-nine professional athletes aged 15-30 years had large body weights (mean weight of 131 ± 15.5 kg and 108 ± 15.8 kg and mean BMI of 39.4 ± 4.7 kg/m(2) and 36.4 ± 5.1 kg/m(2) for 26 men and 23 women, respectively). They completed a supervised moderate intensity (maximal heart rate: 140-170 beats/min for 30-70 min/day) aerobic exercise training for 12 weeks. We collected and measured metabolic parameters and aerobic capacity for all participants before and after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training.

RESULTS

At baseline, 42 (86 %) of all 49 metabolically abnormal athletes were diagnosed as MetS according to the NCEP ATP III criteria (≥3 MetS components). After aerobic exercise training, 30 % (13/42) of MetS individuals tended to become free of MetS (<3 MetS components), decreasing the prevalence of MetS by 30.4 % (from 17 to 10) in women and 23.1 % (from 25 to 19) in men (P = 0.001). All individual components of MetS, including fasting glucose levels, lipid profile, and blood pressure, were also significantly improved (all P-values <0.05). Overall and central obesity indexes, including BMI, waist circumference, Waist-hip ratio, and abdominal fat ratio, were significantly decreased in men whereas only overall adiposity indexes, such as BMI and body fat percentage, were significantly reduced in women. Also, participants' aerobic capacities were also significantly enhanced with longer running distances and decreased heart rates (all P-values <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot trial showed that moderate intensity aerobic exercise effectively improved cardiometabolic parameters in metabolically unhealthy professional athletes with routinely intensive strength training. Its long-term cardiovascular effects will be evaluated by future randomized controlled trials with well-designed exercise modalities.

Time-course effects of aerobic interval training and detraining in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Exercise training can improve health of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, which MetS factors are most responsive to exercise training remains unclear. We studied the time-course of changes in MetS factors in response to training and detraining.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty eight MetS patients (52 ± 8.8 yrs old; 33 ± 4 BMI) underwent 4 months (3 days/week) of supervised aerobic interval training (AIT) program. After 1 month of training, there were progressive increases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and reductions in waist circumference and blood pressure (12 ± 3, -3.9 ± 0.4, and -12 ± 1%, respectively after 4 months; all P < 0.05). However, fasting plasma concentration of triglycerides and glucose were not reduced by training. Insulin sensitivity (HOMA), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and exercise maximal fat oxidation (FOMAx) also progressively improved with training (-17 ± 5; 21 ± 2 and 31 ± 8%, respectively, after 4 months; all P < 0.05). Vastus lateralis samples from seven subjects revealed that mitochondrial O2 flux was markedly increased with training (71 ± 11%) due to increased mitochondrial content. After 1 month of detraining, the training-induced improvements in waist circumference and blood pressure were maintained. HDL-c and VO2peak returned to the values found after 1-2 months of training while HOMA and FOMAx returned to pre-training values.

CONCLUSIONS

The health related variables most responsive to aerobic interval training in MetS patients are waist circumference, blood pressure and the muscle and systemic adaptations to consume oxygen and fat. However, the latter reverse with detraining while blood pressure and waist circumference are persistent to one month of detraining.

The one year exercise and lifestyle intervention program KLAKS: Effects on anthropometric parameters, cardiometabolic risk factors and glycemic control in childhood obesity

OBJECTIVE

Regular physical exercise within structured lifestyle programs may improve weight status and minimize metabolic risk factors in childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the one-year combined physical exercise/lifestyle program KLAKS on anthropometric and metabolic parameters and glycemic control in childhood obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

142 overweight/obese (BMI>90th percentile) candidates (7-18years) were enrolled, 115 participants completed the program. Anthropometrics and biochemical parameters were obtained at beginning and completion. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in a subgroup of participants. Course of glucose and insulin levels within OGTT was correlated with several parameters and is reported here for those who completed the program.

RESULTS

The mean standard deviation scores (SDS) decreased significantly for BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and percentage body fat (all p≤0.01). Improved metabolic risk markers included mean glucose levels within an OGTT at follow-up compared to baseline (p<0.0001) and HbA1c (p=0.05) as well as indications of improvement for gamma-glutamyl-transferase and free fatty acids.

CONCLUSIONS

The one-year combined exercise/lifestyle program KLAKS significantly improves markers of obesity and glycemic control. Impaired cardiometabolic risk markers, even subclinical, are also favorably influenced by program participation.

Impact of different training modalities on anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in overweight/obese subjects: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to compare the effects of aerobic training (AET), resistance training (RT), and combined aerobic and resistance training (CT) on anthropometric parameters, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese subjects.

Methods

Electronic searches for randomized controlled trials were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trial Register. Inclusion criteria were: Body Mass Index: ≥25 kg/m², 19+ years of age, supervised exercise training, and a minimum intervention period of 8 weeks. Anthropometric outcomes, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were included. Pooled effects were calculated by inverse-variance random effect pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian random effects network meta-analyses.

Findings

15 trials enrolling 741 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to RT, AET resulted in a significantly more pronounced reduction of body weight [mean differences (MD): -1.15 kg, p = 0.04], waist circumference [MD: -1.10 cm, p = 0.004], and fat mass [MD: -1.15 kg, p = 0.001] respectively. RT was more effective than AET in improving lean body mass [MD: 1.26 kg, p<0.00001]. When comparing CT with RT, MD in change of body weight [MD: -2.03 kg, p<0.0001], waist circumference [MD: -1.57 cm, p = 0.0002], and fat mass [MD: -1.88 kg, p<0.00001] were all in favor of CT. Results from the network meta-analyses confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

Evidence from both pairwise and network meta-analyses suggests that CT is the most efficacious means to reduce anthropometric outcomes and should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of overweight, and obesity whenever possible.

Effect of adiposity on insulin action after acute and chronic resistance exercise in non-diabetic women

PURPOSE

Obesity may attenuate metabolic health improvements following lifestyle interventions. However, the effect of adiposity on insulin action following resistance exercise in young non-diabetic women is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that adiposity attenuates improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (INS0-60/GLC0-60) after both acute resistance exercise (ARE) and progressive training (PRT).

METHODS

Twenty-six young non-diabetic women (21.2 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to control (C; n = 7; BF 40.1 ± 2.1 %) or exercise groups: normal body fat (NBF; n = 8; BF 29.9 ± 2.3 %) and high body fat (HBF; n = 12; BF 48.2 ± 1.4 %). Acute whole-body exercises were performed at 60 % of 1-RM for three sets of 8-12 repetitions, and PRT was performed 3 days/week for 7 weeks. A 75 g OGTT was conducted before and after ARE and PRT to estimate insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) and INS0-60/GLC0-60. Insulin area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the trapezoidal model.

RESULTS

ARE had no statistical effect on insulin action across groups. Strength and fat-free mass (via DXA) increased after PRT in both NBF and HBF (p < 0.05), but only HBF women decreased BF (p < 0.01). HBF women were less insulin sensitive at baseline compared to NBF women (p < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity increased 95 % and INS0-60/GLC0-60 decreased 32 % following PRT in NBF, but not HBF or C (p < 0.05). After training, enhanced insulin sensitivity was inversely related to decreased INS0-60/GLC0-60 (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), fasting insulin (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), and insulin AUC (r = -0.85, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Seven weeks of PRT increases insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in NBF, but not HBF women. Obesity attenuates exercise-induced improvements in glucose regulation in young non-diabetic women.

Sixteen weeks of resistance training can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

The postmenopausal phase has been considered an aggravating factor for developing metabolic syndrome. Notwithstanding, no studies have as yet investigated the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify whether resistance training could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Twenty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a resistance training protocol (n = 10, 53.40 ± 3.95 years, 64.58 ± 9.22 kg) or a control group (n = 10, 53.0 ± 5.7 years, 64.03 ± 5.03 kg). In the resistance training protocol, ten exercises were performed, with 3 × 8-10 maximal repetitions three times per week, and the load was increased every week. Two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate specific metabolic syndrome Z-score, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference, blood pressure, strength, and body composition. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The main results demonstrated a significant decrease of metabolic syndrome Z-score when the postmenopausal women performed resistance training (P = 0.0162). Moreover, we observed decreases in fasting blood glucose for the resistance training group (P = 0.001), and also significant improvements in lean body mass (P = 0.042, 2.46%), reduction of body fat percentage (P = 0.001, -6.75%) and noticeable increases in muscle strength after resistance training to leg press (P = 0.004, 41.29%) and bench press (P = 0.0001, 27.23%).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that resistance training performed three times a week may reduce the metabolic syndrome Z-score with concomitant decreases in fasting blood glucose, improvements in body composition, and muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

Metabolic, hemodynamic and structural adjustments to low intensity exercise training in a metabolic syndrome model

Background

The increase in fructose consumption is paralleled by a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome, and consequently, cardiovascular disease mortality. We examined the effects of 8 weeks of low intensity exercise training (LET) on metabolic, hemodynamic, ventricular and vascular morphological changes induced by fructose drinking in male rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into (n = 8 each) control (C), sedentary fructose (F) and ET fructose (FT) groups. Fructose-drinking rats received D-fructose (100 g/l). FT rats were assigned to a treadmill training protocol at low intensity (30% of maximal running speed) during 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Measurements of triglyceride concentrations, white adipose tissue (WAT) and glycemia were carried out together with insulin tolerance test to evaluate metabolic profile. Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity (BS) was evaluated by the tachycardic and bradycardic responses. Right atria, left ventricle (LV) and ascending aorta were prepared to morphoquantitative analysis.

Results

LET reduced WAT (−37.7%), triglyceride levels (−33%), systolic AP (−6%), heart weight/body weight (−20.5%), LV (−36%) and aortic (−76%) collagen fibers, aortic intima-media thickness and circumferential wall tension in FT when compared to F rats. Additionally, FT group presented improve of BS, numerical density of atrial natriuretic peptide granules (+42%) and LV capillaries (+25%), as well as the number of elastic lamellae in aorta compared with F group.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that LET, a widely recommended practice, seems to be particularly effective for preventing metabolic, hemodynamic and morphological disorders triggered by MS.

Effects of eight weeks of resistance training on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in overweight /obese women - "A Pilot Study"

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) on anthropometric, cardiovascular and biochemical risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and neuromuscular variables on overweight/obese women.

METHODS

Fourteen middle-aged (33.9 ± 8.6 years) overweight/obese women (body mass index - BMI 29.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2) underwent 24 sessions (3 times/week) of a whole body RT program with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum (RM). The following variables were evaluated: maximum strength on chest press and frontal lat pull-down; isometric hand-grip strength; biceps brachii (BB) and rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness, body mass; BMI; body adiposity index (BAI); waist, hip and neck circumferences; visceral fat volume; blood glucose; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); insulin; HDL-C and triglycerides.

RESULTS

There was an increase of chest press (from 52.9 ± 9.7 to 59.8 ± 7.7 kg; P = 0.02) and front lat pull-down (from 51.5 ± 7.5 to 57.6 ± 9.2 kg; P = 0.01) muscle strength, isometric handgrip (P = 0.02) and RF muscle thickness (from 42.2 ± 8.5 to 45.1 ± 7.3 mm; P = 0.02) after the 8 week RT program. There were no statistically significant alterations on plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin, triglycerides, HDL-C, anthropometric indexes and BB muscle thickness (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A RT program without caloric restriction promotes an increase on muscle thickness and strength, with no effects on risk factors of MetS in overweight/obese women.

Walking promotes metabolic and baroreflex sensitivity improvement in fructose-fed male rats

The aim of this study was to investigate metabolic and cardiovascular responses to walking in fructose-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control (C), sedentary fructose (SF) and walking fructose (WF). Fructose-fed rats received D-fructose (100 g/l). WF rats walked on a treadmill at constant load (0.3 km/h) during 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Measurements of triglyceride concentrations, adipose tissue and glycemia were carried out together with insulin tolerance test to evaluate metabolic profile. Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity (BR) was evaluated by the reflex tachycardia (TR) and bradycardia (BR) to AP changes. The results showed that walking decreased the adipose tissue (SF: 6.5 ± 0.4; WF: 2.8 ± 0.1; C: 3.0 ± 0.3 g), blood triglyceride levels (SF: 291 ± 6.5; WF: 150 ± 8.1; C: 103 ± 4.5 mg/dl) and increased insulin sensitivity (SF: 2.5 ± 0.2; WF: 3.3 ± 0.32; C: 4.8 ± 0.4 %/min). Baroreflex sensitivity was improved in the WF group expressed by BR (SF: 0.75 ± 0.10; WF: 1.18 ± 0.10; C: 1.5 ± 0.14 ms/mmHg) and TR (SF: 0.80 ± 0.12; WF: 1.21 ± 0.10; C: 1.35 ± 0.11 ms/mmHg), as well as when verified by the alpha index. Although the WF group showed decreased AP when compared with the SF group, the values still enhanced in relation to C rats (SF: 137 ± 2; WF: 129 ± 1; C: 115 ± 6 mmHg). Our findings allow a better understanding of the effects of walking, a low-intensity exercise training, on the hemodynamic and metabolic aspects of male rats with metabolic syndrome and indicate that walking seems to be particularly effective in treating metabolic disturbances in this model.

Exercise training with weight loss and either a high- or low-glycemic index diet reduces metabolic syndrome severity in older adults

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of combining carbohydrate quality with exercise on metabolic syndrome risk is unclear. Thus, we determined the effects of exercise training with a low (LoGIx)- or high (HiGIx)-glycemic index diet on the severity of the metabolic syndrome (Z-score).

METHODS

Twenty-one adults (66.2±1.1 years; BMI=35.3±0.9 kg/m2) with the metabolic syndrome were randomized to 12 weeks of exercise (60 min/day for 5 days/week at about 85% HRmax) and provided a LoGIx (n=11) or HiGIx (n=10) diet. Z-scores were determined from: blood pressure, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and waist circumference (WC) before and after the intervention. Body composition, aerobic fitness, insulin resistance, and nonesterfied fatty acid (NEFA) suppression were also assessed.

RESULTS

LoGIx and HiGIx diets decreased body mass and insulin resistance and increased aerobic fitness comparably (p<0.05). LoGIx and HiGIx diets decreased the Z-score similarly as each intervention decreased blood pressure, TGs, FPG and WC (p<0.05). The HiGIx diet tended to suppress NEFA during insulin stimulation compared with the LoGIx diet (p=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that exercise with weight loss reduces the severity of the metabolic syndrome whether individuals were randomized to a HiGIx or a LoGIx diet.