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

Resistance Training in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review on Its Effectiveness in Controlling Risk Factors

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), a term encompassing various disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, includes coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is primarily due to the development of atherosclerotic plaques that disrupt blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to the myocardium. Risk factors contributing to CAD progression include smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidaemia, and obesity. While aerobic exercise (AE) has shown promising results in controlling CVD risk factors, the impact of resistance training (RT) has not been extensively investigated. This review aims to describe the effects of RT on CVD risk factors based on studies retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Both isometric and isotonic RT have been found to decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, or mean arterial pressure, with SBP showing a more significant reduction. Hypertensive patients engaging in RT alongside a calorie-restricted diet demonstrated significant improvements in blood pressure. RT is associated with increased nitric oxide bioavailability, sympathetic modulation, and enhanced endothelial function. In type-2 DM patients, 8-12 weeks of RT led to improvements in fasting blood glucose levels, insulin secretion, metabolic syndrome risk, and glucose transporter numbers. Combining AE with RT had a more significant impact in reducing insulin resistance and enhancing blood glucose compared to performing exercises separately. It also significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein within 12 weeks of application. However, improvements are considered insignificant when lipid levels are already low to normal at baseline. The administration of RT resulted in weight loss and improved body mass index, with more pronounced effects seen when combining AE with RT and a calorie-restricted diet. Considering these results, the administration of RT, either alone or in combination with AE, proves beneficial in rehabilitating CAD patients by improving various risk factors.

Comparison of Absolute and Relative Grip Strength to Predict Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome: Eight-Year Follow-Up Study in Korea

Background: This study aimed to conduct an analysis of longitudinal study to investigate the association of absolute grip strength, and relative grip strength with incidence of metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: Participants who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, a chronic screening program conducted in Ahnseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, a primary survey conducted from 2013 to 2014 were selected. The presence of metabolic syndrome was classified using the standards of the International Diabetes Foundation following previous studies. Grip strength was measured using a JAMA 5030J1 (Saehan, Korea) and calculated the absolute grip strength and relative grip strength. To evaluate the relationship between the absolute grip strength, relative grip strength, and incidence of metabolic syndrome, independent hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for metabolic syndrome were calculated according to absolute and relative grip strength levels using a multivariate extended Cox regression model. Results: The incidence of metabolic syndrome was reduced by 38% (HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.88) for the high absolute grip strength group, compared to the low absolute grip strength group. Also, this study confirmed that the incidence of metabolic syndrome for mid relative grip strength and high relative grip strength groups were reduced by 27% (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.55-0.98) and 55% (HR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.32-0.64) respectively. Moreover, the incidence of metabolic syndrome was reduced by 45% (HR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.82) and 57% (HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.29-0.65) for the low-level body mass index (BMI) group with high or low absolute grip strength, respectively. Finally, this study confirmed the association of sex, absolute grip strength, and relative grip strength according to age with incidence of metabolic syndrome was different. Conclusion: We observed that relative grip strength has a higher association with incidence of metabolic syndrome than absolute grip strength. Also, BMI has a higher association with metabolic syndrome than the absolute grip strength.

The effects of exercise training on circulating adhesion molecules in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The current meta-analysis investigated the effects of exercise training on circulating adhesion molecules i.e. soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in adults.

METHOD

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched to identify original articles, published in English languages journal from inception up to 31 August 2023 that compared the effects of exercise training with non-exercising control on sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in adults. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated using random-effect models.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies including 31 intervention arms and involving 1437 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise training effectively reduced sICAM-1 [SMD: -0.33 (95% CI -0.56 to -0.11), p = 0.004; I2 = 56.38%, p = 0.001; 23 intervention arms]. Subgroup analyses showed that sICAM-1 decreased in adults with age <60 years (p = 0.01) and BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (p = 0.002) and those with metabolic disorders (p = 0.004) and cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.005). In addition, aerobic (p = 0.02) and resistance training (p = 0.007) are effective in reducing sICAM-1. However, exercise training did not indicate a superior effect on sVCAM-1 [SMD: -0.12 (95% CI -0.29 to 0.05), p = 0.17; I2 = 36.29%, p = 0.04; 23 intervention arms].

CONCLUSION

Our results show that exercise training reduces sICAM-1, but not for sVCAM-1, where both aerobic and resistance training is effective in reducing sICAM-1 in adults with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The current meta-analysis was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero with ID registration number: CRD42023410474.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Muscle Hypertrophy and Function, Blood Lipid Level, and Hemorheological Properties in Middle-Aged Obese Women

Background

This study investigated the effects of 12-week resistance training on body composition, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), isokinetic muscle function, and hemorheological properties in middle-aged obese women.

Methods

Twenty-eight obese women with a mean age of 50.79 ± 5.80 years were randomly assigned to the control (CON, n = 13) or experimental (EXP, n = 15) group. The EXP group underwent a resistance training program composed of warm-up, main resistance exercise (deadlift, barbell squat, seated leg extension, and lying leg curl, bench press, preacher bench biceps curl, barbell rowing, and dumbbell shoulder press), and cool-down. The resistance exercise consisted of three sets of 8-10 repetitions (reps) performed with 70-80% of 1-rep maximum, and reps and sets were increased every 3 weeks. The training frequency was 80 min, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The CON group maintained their daily lifestyle without training. All participants underwent measurements of body composition (weight, body mass index, lean body mass, fat mass, and % body fat), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure), blood lipid levels (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), CSA of the muscles (quadriceps, hamstring, and total thigh muscle), isokinetic muscle function (peak torque [PT], relative PT, mean power, and total work [TW]), and hemorheological properties (erythrocyte deformability and aggregation) before and after 12 weeks of training.

Results

The EXP group showed a significant improved muscle function, including PT (p < 0.001), relative PT (p < 0.001) in extension 60°/s, TW (p < 0.001) in extension 180°/s, and TW (p = 0.018) in flexion 180°/s. Regarding hemorheological properties, the EXP group showed significant improvement in erythrocyte aggregation (p < 0.001) and deformability (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study verified that our resistance training program resulted in greater muscle function, decreased fat mass, and improved hemorheological properties.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered with cris.nih.go.kr (No. KCT0007412).

CIRCUIT TRAINING REDUCES CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN

ABSTRACT Introduction Combined training is more effective than an isolated modality in reducing cardiometabolic risk indicators. Objective To evaluate the effect of circuit training volume on anthropometric and biochemical risk indicators for cardiometabolic diseases in overweight women. Methods Thirty-two participants underwent 24 weeks of circuit training with free weights combined with aerobic exercise. The training volume during the 24 weeks was used to distribute the women into moderate-volume physical activity (MVA), low-volume physical activity (LVA) and control (CON) groups. Anthropometric indices (body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR)), blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL-c, and LDL-c were evaluated at the beginning of the program and after 12 and 24 weeks. Results There was no interaction between training volume and time for any of the variables studied, but the intervention time influenced body mass (p=0.013) and BMI (p=0.012), and there was a tendency for participation time to reduce body mass (p=0.063) and BMI (p=0.062) after six months of intervention. The volume of the physical activity affected HDL-c (p=0.037), being significant (p=0.030) in the comparison between the MVA and CON groups. Additionally, there was a downward trend in HDL-c after six months of intervention (p=0.073), with a smaller reduction observed in the MVA group, indicating a protective role of moderate physical activity in the reduction of this lipid fraction. The association between physical activity volume and participation time resulted in a clinical improvement in total cholesterol (χ2 = 5.453, p = 0.02), with a higher probability of reaching clinically adequate values in the MVA group (OR = 0.126; 95%CI 0.019 - 0.827). Conclusion Training volume improved cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Muscle thickness and pennation angle in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A after resistance and combined training: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Muscular atrophy and overweightness develop arthropathy in persons with haemophilia (PWH), and exercise increases their muscle strength and decreases their body weight. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography may be a non-invasive, safe, valid, and reliable tool to investigate muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA) after exercise training.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of resistance training (RT) and combined resistance and aerobic training (CT) on MT and PA in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two persons with moderate haemophilia A with a mean age of 35-55 years and a BMI of 25-30 kg/m² were randomly assigned to three groups of 14, namely RT, CT, and control. The RT group performed 40 minutes of RT, and the CT group performed 20 min of RT and 20 min of aerobic training. The PA and MT of the biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were measured before and after the intervention using B-mode ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Significant increases were observed in the MT of VM, VL, MG, BB, and TB and PA of VM, VL, and MG in the RT and CT groups compared to the control group (p < .001). No significant differences were observed between the intervention groups.

CONCLUSION

Both RT and CT were effective in enhancing MT and PA in overweight persons with moderate haemophilia A.

Effect of Different Training Programs at Self-Selected Intensity on Body Composition, Perceptual Responses and Fitness Outcomes in Obese Women

Obesity induces several disorders, such as android obesity, insulin resistance, and coronary/peripheral artery disease, and obese individuals commonly have low adherence to training programs. Exercise at self-selected intensity is a feasible strategy to avoid dropouts of training routines. We aimed to assess the effects of different training programs at self-selected intensity on body composition, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), feelings of pleasure and displeasure (FPD) and fitness outcomes (maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximum dynamic strength (1RM)) in obese women. Forty obese women (n = 40; Body Mass Index: 33.2 ± 1.1 kg.m^-2) were randomly allocated to combined training (CT = 10), aerobic training (AT = 10), resistance training (RT = 10) and control group (CG = 10). The frequency that CT, AT and RT performed the training sessions was 3 times per week during 8 weeks. Body composition (DXA), VO2max and 1RM were assessed at baseline and after intervention. All participants were on a restricted dietary intake aiming to ingest 2.650 kcal per day. Post hoc comparisons revealed that CT promotes a larger decrease in body fat percentage (p = 0.001), body fat mass (p = 0.004) than other groups. CT and AT elicited higher V^•O2max increases (p = 0.014) than RT and CG, and 1RM values were higher in CT and RT (p = 0.001) than AT and CG at post-intervention. All training groups presented low RPE and high FPD over the training sessions, but only the CT was effective to reduce body fat percentage and body fat mass in obese women. In addition, CT was effective to increase simultaneously maximum oxygen uptake and maximum dynamic strength in obese women.

Energy deficiency impairs resistance training gains in lean mass but not strength: A meta-analysis and meta-regression

Short-term energy deficits impair anabolic hormones and muscle protein synthesis. However, the effects of prolonged energy deficits on resistance training (RT) outcomes remain unexplored. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed and SportDiscus for randomized controlled trials performing RT in an energy deficit (RT+ED) for ≥3 weeks. We first divided the literature into studies with a parallel control group without an energy deficit (RT+CON; Analysis A) and studies without RT+CON (Analysis B). Analysis A consisted of a meta-analysis comparing gains in lean mass (LM) and strength between RT+ED and RT+CON. Studies in Analysis B were matched with separate RT+CON studies for participant and intervention characteristics, and we qualitatively compared the gains in LM and strength between RT+ED and RT+CON. Finally, Analyses A and B were pooled into a meta-regression examining the relationship between the magnitude of the energy deficit and LM. Analysis A showed LM gains were impaired in RT+ED vs RT+CON (effect size (ES) = -0.57, p = 0.02), but strength gains were comparable between conditions (ES = -0.31, p = 0.28). Analysis B supports the impairment of LM in RT+ED (ES: -0.11, p = 0.03) vs RT+CON (ES: 0.20, p < 0.001) but not strength (RT+ED ES: 0.84; RT+CON ES: 0.81). Finally, our meta-regression demonstrated that an energy deficit of ~500 kcal · day^-1 prevented gains in LM. Individuals performing RT to build LM should avoid prolonged energy deficiency, and individuals performing RT to preserve LM during weight loss should avoid energy deficits >500 kcal day^-1 .

Nordic Walking at Maximal Fat Oxidation Intensity Decreases Circulating Asprosin and Visceral Obesity in Women With Metabolic Disorders

OBJECTIVE

Excess visceral adipose tissue is associated with insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, including deregulation of adipokine secretion, which may be corrected by aerobic exercise training. Asprosin is a novel adipokine responsible for the regulation of appetite and the release of glucose from the liver, and its levels are pathologically elevated in obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 8-week Nordic walking (NW) training at maximal fat oxidation intensity (FAT max ) on changes in body mass, as well as those in insulin resistance and asprosin levels among young women with visceral obesity and metabolic disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was completed by 14 women (30.14 ± 3.63 years) representing low levels of physical activity, visceral obesity (waist circumference 105.50 ± 14.87 cm, BMI 33.85 ± 5.48 kg/m2) and with metabolic disorders, who for 8 weeks (three times a week, 60 min), participated in NW training at the FAT max intensity (61.92 ± 6.71% HR max , 42.33 ± 8.69% VO2max) controlled on the basis of heart rate (114.21 ± 14.10 bpm).

RESULTS

After 4 and 8 weeks of NW training, a significant decrease in the concentration of asprosin, waist and hip circumference (HC), waist-to-height ratio and body adiposity index (BAI) (p < 0.05, large effect size) were found.

CONCLUSION

The 8-week NW training at an FAT max intensity decreases the concentration of asprosin in the blood as well as visceral obesity in young women with metabolic disorders.

Evaluación antropométrica y composición corporal por medio de óxido de deuterio en escolares costarricenses

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar elestado nutricional de escolares costarricenses de seis a nueve años. Participaron 103 escolares (54 niños y 49 niñas) con un promedio de edad de 7,8 ± 0,9 años. Se evaluó peso, talla, talla sentado, circunferencia de cintura (CC), índice de masa corporal (IMC), índice córmico (IC) y relación cintura-talla (IC/T). Se utilizó el óxido de deuterio (D2O) para evaluar la composición corporal: % agua corporal total (% ACT), masa libre de grasa (MLG), masa grasa (MG) y % de grasa corporal (% GC). El sobrepeso/obesidad se determinó utilizando el IMC y el método de clasificación de McCarthy para % GC de acuerdo a sexo y edad. Los valores medios para niños y niñas fueron: peso (29,1 ± 7,2 vs 31,0 ± 6,7 kg), talla (124.7 ± 6.7 vs 127.5 ± 7.1 cm), talla sentado (64.4 ± 3.7 vs 65.6 ± 3.5 cm), IMC (18.5 ± 3.11 vs 18.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2), CC (62.1 ± 8.6 vs 63.8±7.8 cm), IC (51.6 ± 1.6 vs 51.5 ± 1.6), I.C/T (0.52 ± 0.1 vs 0.51 ± 0.1), % ACT (56.5 ± 5.7 vs 51.9 ± 4.5 %), MLG (21.0 ± 3.5 vs 20.5 ± 3.6 kg), MG (8.1 ± 4.2 vs 10.5 ± 3.6 kg), % GC (26.3 ± 7.3 vs 33.2 ± 5.7 %), respectivamente. La edad, talla, MG, % GC y % ACT fueron significativamente mayores (p<0.05) en las niñas. Los escolares presentan un crecimiento adecuado junto a una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad.

Improving Exercise Adherence and Physical Measures in English-Speaking Latina Women

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data have established that lack of physical activity increases risk factors for chronic diseases. Data also suggests that physical activity participation is lowest in minority women, particularly Latinas, and that the nature of the exercise and attitudes toward exercise may influence exercise adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hypertrophy training (HT) or power training (PT) used concomitantly with evaluative conditioning (EC) or neutral conditioning (NC) on exercise adherence as well as in physical and psychosocial variables in Latina women. EC is a behavioral method using paired stimuli to develop and strengthen new associations in memory.

METHODS

Two hundred thirty-one English-speaking Latina women (mean ± SD, age 36.8 ± 15.9 years) were randomly assigned to standard HT or high-speed circuit PT and then further stratified to receive EC or NC.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-two Latina women completed pre- and posttesting. For HT, EC produced significantly greater exercise time across the training period than NC. HT and PT both significantly improved all physical, functional, and psychosocial variables, with exception of leg extension and usual gait speed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EC can positively impact exercise adherence during HT in Latina women; while body composition, neuromuscular, and functional performances can be increased using HT and PT independent of psychological conditioning.

Similar hypotensive responses to resistance exercise with and without blood flow restriction

Low intensity resistance exercise (RE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) has gained attention in the literature due to the beneficial effects on functional and morphological variables, similar to those observed during traditional RE without BFR, while the effects of BFR on post-exercise hypotension remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the blood pressure (BP) response of trained normotensive individuals to RE with and without BFR. In this cross-over randomized trial, eight male subjects (23.8 ± 4 years, 74 ± 3 kg, 174 ± 4 cm) completed two exercise protocols: traditional RE (3 x 10 repetitions at 70% one-repetition maximum [1-RM]) and low intensity RE (3 x 15 repetitions at 20% 1-RM) with BFR. Blood pressure measurements were performed after 15 min of seated rest (0), immediately after and 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min and 60 min after the experimental sessions. Similar hypotensive effects for systolic BP (SBP) were observed for both protocols (P < 0.05) after exercise, with no differences between groups (P > 0.05) and no statistically significant difference for diastolic BP (P > 0.05). These results suggest that in normotensive trained individuals, both traditional RE and RE with BFR induce hypotension for SBP, which is important to prevent cardiovascular disturbances.

Enhancing of women functional status with metabolic syndrome by cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of combined aerobic and resistance training

These data describe the effects of combined aerobic plus resistance training (CT) with regards to risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS), quality of life, functional capacity, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in women with MetS. In this context, thirteen women (35.4 ± 6.2 yr) completed 10 weeks of CT consisting of three weekly sessions of ~60 min aerobic training (treadmill at 65-70% of reserve heart rate, 30 min) and resistance training (3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum for main muscle groups). Dependent variables were maximum chest press strength; isometric hand-grip strength; 30 s chair stand test; six minute walk test; body mass; body mass index; body adiposity index; waist circumference; systolic (SBP), diastolic and mean blood pressure (MBP); blood glucose; HDL-C; triglycerides; interleukins (IL) 6, 10 and 12, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and serum nitric oxide metabolite (NOx); quality of life (SF-36) and Z-Score of MetS. There was an improvement in muscle strength on chest press (p = 0.009), isometric hand-grip strength (p = 0.03) and 30 s chair stand (p = 0.007). There was a decrease in SBP (p = 0.049), MBP (p = 0.041), Z-Score of MetS (p = 0.046), OPG (0.42 ± 0.26 to 0.38 ± 0.19 ng/mL, p<0.05) and NOx (13.3 ± 2.3 µmol/L to 9.1 ± 2.3 µmol/L; p<0.0005). IL-10 displayed an increase (13.6 ± 7.5 to 17.2 ± 12.3 pg/mL, p < 0.05) after 10 weeks of training. Combined training also increased the perception of physical capacity (p = 0.011). This study endorses CT as an efficient tool to improve blood pressure, functional capacity, quality of life and reduce blood markers of inflammation, which has a clinical relevance in the prevention and treatment of MetS.

Lack of association of body composition and functionality variables with metabolic syndrome in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The aging process causes alterations in body composition (decrease in lean mass and increase in fat mass), diminution of functionality (strength, mobility, and physical performance), and an increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of body composition and functionality with metabolic syndrome in the elderly.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of the Geriatric Service of Hospital São Lucas of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) involving 74 patients (14 males and 60 females). The patients were separated into two groups: Group 1=elderly with metabolic syndrome [through the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP ATP III) criteria; n=34], group 2=elderly without metabolic syndrome (n=40). The variables evaluated included age, gender, body composition (circumferences, skinfold thickness, BMI, muscle and fat thickness and muscle mass), functional variables [hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and Sit-to-Stand Test].

RESULTS

The results showed that elderly individuals with metabolic syndrome had a higher mean of the anthropometric measures (except abdominal skinfold thickness) compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome (P<0.005). We observed significant differences for muscle mass index (higher, P=0.029), TUGT (longer time, P=0.008), and hand grip strength (lower, P=0.015) in elderly with metabolic syndrome compared with subjects without metabolic syndrome. However, when these variables were adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), none showed a significant association with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

We did not observe associations among metabolic syndrome, body composition, and functionality variables.

Decreased functional capacity and muscle strength in elderly women with metabolic syndrome

Purpose

To compare the metabolic parameters, flexibility, muscle strength, functional capacity, and lower limb muscle power of elderly women with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 28 older women divided into two groups: with the MetS (n = 14; 67.3 ± 5.5 years; 67.5 ± 16.7 kg; 1.45 ± 0.35 m; 28.0 ± 7.6 kg/m²), and without the MetS (n = 14; 68.7 ± 5.3 years; 58.2 ± 9.9 kg; 1.55 ± 0.10 m; 24.3 ± 3.8 kg/m²). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-maximum repetition (1RM) tests in leg press, bench press and biceps curl exercises. Six-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG); 30-second sitting-rising; arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell, sit-and-reach (flexibility), and vertical jump tests were performed.

Results

There was no difference between groups regarding age (P = 0.49), height (P = 0.46), body fat (%) (P = 0.19), systolic (P = 0.64), diastolic (P = 0.41) and mean blood pressure (P = 0.86), 30-second sitting-rising (P = 0.57), 30-s arm curl (P = 0.73), leg press 1RM (P = 0.51), bench press 1RM (P = 0.77), and biceps curl 1RM (P = 0.85). However, women without the MetS presented lower body mass (P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0001), waist circumference (P = 0.02), waist-to-height ratio (P = 0.02), fat body mass (kg) (P = 0.05), lean body mass (kg) (P = 0.02), blood glucose (P = 0.05), triglycerides (P = 0.03), Z-score for the MetS (P = 0.05), higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.002), better performance on TUG (P = 0.01), flexibility (P = 0.03), six-minute walk test (P = 0.04), vertical jump (P = 0.05) and relative muscle strength for leg press (P = 0.03), bench press (P = 0.04) and biceps curl (P = 0.002) exercises as compared to women with the MetS.

Conclusion

Elderly women with the MetS have higher metabolic risk profile and lower functional capacity, muscle strength, lower limb power and flexibility as compared to women without the MetS. The evaluation of functional capacity may help to determine the degree of physical decline in older persons with the MetS, while exercise interventions should be encouraged.

Resistance training decreases 24-hour blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) on 24 hour blood pressure (BP) in patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

Seventeen women volunteered to participate in this study, 9 with MetS (37.0 ± 8.7 yrs; body mass 77.3 ± 9.7 kg; body mass index 30.3 ± 4.2 kg · m(-2)) and 8 without MetS (35.1 ± 7.2 yrs; body mass 61.3 ± 8.1 kg; body mass index 24.2 ± 2.5 kg · m(-2)). Individuals were subjected to eight weeks (3 times/week) of whole body RT comprised of one exercise for each main muscle group with three sets of 8-12 repetitions of each subject's maximal load . A rest interval of one minute was allowed between sets and exercises. Twenty-four hour BP was measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

RESULTS

Mean and diastolic night-time BP decreased (-3.9 mmHg, p = 0.04; -5.5 mmHg, p = 0.03, respectively) after eight weeks of training in MetS patients. This decrease was observed at 11:00 pm, 02:00 am (only diastolic), 07:00 am, and 6:00 pm. There was no training effect on BP in women without MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the elevation of BP as a contributor to the pathogenesis of MetS, and also to the increase of cardiovascular risk, this study supports RT as a non-pharmacological therapy in the management of BP control for MetS.