The Effects of Two Different Exercise Training Protocols on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Non-athlete, Middle-Aged Women

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is considered a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The syndrome is the result of various factors, including poor nutritional diets, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. Physical activity and good nutrition can prevent metabolic syndrome. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of continuous and discontinuous training on metabolic syndrome components in non-athlete, middle-aged woman. Patients and Methods: Forty-five non-athlete women who met the study criteria voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were divided randomly into three groups: continuous, discontinuous, and control (n = 15 in each group). Twenty-four hours before the beginning of the training program, a blood sample was obtained from each participant in the fasting state .The two training groups participated in sports activities designed to produce a heart rate of 50 - 70 beats/minute for 8 weeks, three times a week, for 60 - 90 minutes. The continuous training group performed the activities in one session, and the discontinuous training group performed them in two sessions, for the same time and intensity. Twenty-four hours after the completion of the 8-week program, all the measurements were performed similar to the pretest phase. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The discontinuous training significantly decreased each participant’s weight (P = 0.04) and systolic blood pressure (BP) (P < 0.01), whereas it significantly increased their triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant change in diastolic BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), or glucose. In the continuous training group, the TG level decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a regular physical activity program in the form of discontinuous training improved metabolic syndrome indexes in non-athlete, middle-aged women. Discontinuous training seems to be an efficient, safe, and inexpensive way to reduce and prevent metabolic syndrome.