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Aerobic, resistance or combined training: A systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with metabolic syndrome without diabetes
Meta-analysis of eleven RCTs (>4 weeks) in adults with metabolic syndrome but without diabetes found aerobic training significantly improved waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-C, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness versus control; resistance-training arms lacked significant pooled effects, likely reflecting limited trial numbers.
Design
- SR + MA; RCTs >4 weeks; MetS without diabetes
- 11 studies; 16 exercise interventions (12 aerobic, 4 resistance)
Aerobic vs control (abstract highlights)
- Waist circumference: −3.4 cm (p < 0.01)
- Fasting glucose: −0.15 mmol/L (p = 0.03)
- HDL-C: +0.05 mmol/L (p = 0.02)
- Triglycerides: −0.29 mmol/L (p < 0.01)
- DBP: −1.6 mmHg (p = 0.01)
- CRF: +4.2 mL/kg/min (p < 0.01)
Resistance training
Abstract: no significant pooled effects—authors attribute partly to sparse resistance trials.
Practical note
Sub-analyses suggested vigorous progression and ≥12 weeks, 3 days/week programmes yielded broader improvements.
Publication
Wewege MA, Thom JM, Rye KA, Parmenter BJ. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Jul;52(14):926-931. PMID 29783064.
Outcomes
- Diastolic Blood Pressure-1.6mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)
- Aerobic vs control: waist circumference −3.4 cm (p<0.01); fasting glucose −0.15 mmol/L (p=0.03); triglycerides −0.29 mmol/L (p<0.01); +4.2 mL/kg/min VO2-related fitness (p<0.01) per abstract.