Effects of prolonged exercise versus multiple short exercise sessions on risk for metabolic syndrome and the atherogenic index in middle-aged obese women: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundMany people, although they may recognise the positive effects of exercise, do not exercise regularly owing to lack of time. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged single-session exercise and multiple short sessions of exercise on the risk of metabolic syndrome and the atherogenic index in middle-aged obese women.MethodsThirty-six participants were divided into the single-session group, multiple-session group, and control group. The single-session group engaged in one session of treadmill exercise for 30 min a day; the multiple-session group had three sessions of 10 min a day. Both groups exercised 3 days/week for 12 weeks. The control group did not perform any exercise.ResultsThe single-session group showed decreases in weight (0.97 kg [95% C.I. = 0.09–1.83], p < .05), body mass index (0.43 kg/m2 [95% C.I. = 0.03–0.81], p < .05), and fat mass (1.65 kg, [95% C.I. = 0.78–2.51], p < .01). Systolic blood pressure dropped in the single-session group (6.66 mmHg, [95% C.I. = 1.44–11.88], p < .05), and diastolic blood pressure dropped in the multiple-session group (3.38 mmHg, [95% C.I. = 1.44–5.88], p < .01). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol rose in the single-session group (4.08 mg/dL, [95% C.I. = −8.08–(−)0.07], p < .05) and dropped in the control group (10.75 mg/dL [95% C.I. = 1.95–19.54], p < .01). According to post hoc analysis, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased more in the single-session group than the control group (95% C.I. = 0.61–21.88, p < .05). Glucose levels decreased in both the single-session group (16 mg/dL [95% C.I. = 5.64–26.35], p < .01) and the multiple-session group (12.16 mg/dL, [95% C.I. = 2.18–22.14], p < .05). Waist circumference decreased in the single-session group (2.65 cm [95% C.I. = 1.46–3.83], p < .001) and multiple-session group (2.04 cm, [95% C.I. = 1.51–2.73], p < .001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels rose in both the multiple-session group (−15.79 mg/dL [95% C.I. = −34.24–(−)3.78], p < .05) and the control group (−22.94 mg/dL [95% C.I. = −44.63–(−)1.24], p < .05). The atherogenic index increased in the control group (−1.06 [95% C.I. = −1.69–(−)0.41], p < .01).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that prolonged exercise is superior to multiple short sessions for improving the risk of metabolic syndrome and the atherogenic index in middle-aged obese women. However, multiple short sessions can be recommended as an alternative to prolonged exercise when the goal is to decrease blood glucose or waist circumference.

Low-grade chronic inflammation is attenuated by exercise training in obese adults through down-regulation of ASC gene in peripheral blood: a pilot study

“…In our study, the diet-exercise group showed a tendency to decrease the atherogenic index at the end of the intervention, and a statistical difference was found when we compared the atherogenic index change between groups. Our finding is similar to other results that show an association of exercise with the atherogenic index of plasma after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise in obese individuals [43] as well as a lower atherogenic index in subjects who performed regular exercise compared to sedentary subjects [44]. Lastly, an inverse association was found between the atherogenic index and physical activity levels [45].…”

Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Chronic Microvascular Complications

“…Previous studies show that population with MS had higher level of AIP [8, 47–50]. In addition, higher level of AIP is related to higher risk of MS [51]; prolonged exercise can help to decrease the risk for MS and AIP level [52]. This study, together with other studies, indicates increased incidence of MS in T2DM patients with higher AIP.…”

Low-grade chronic inflammation is attenuated by exercise training in obese adults through down-regulation of ASC gene in peripheral blood: a pilot study

“…In our study, the diet-exercise group showed a tendency to decrease the atherogenic index at the end of the intervention, and a statistical difference was found when we compared the atherogenic index change between groups. Our nding is similar to other results that show an association of exercise with the atherogenic index of plasma after twelve weeks of aerobic exercise in obese individuals [43] as well as a lower atherogenic index in subjects who performed regular exercise compared to sedentary subjects [44]. Lastly, an inverse association was found between the atherogenic index and physical activity levels [45].…”