Resistance training and HIIT effective strategy for treating Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

In a recent study published in BMC Lipids in Health and Disease aimed at understanding the effects of exercise on postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS), researchers found resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improving outcomes.

The study involved 45 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 65 years, all of whom had been diagnosed with MetS. The participants were split into two intervention groups: the RT group and the HIIT group, each comprising 15 individuals. An additional control group was established for reference. The RT group followed a regimen of resistance training for both upper and lower body.

The HIIT group engaged in 3-minute high-intensity workouts at 80-90% of their maximum heart rate, followed by 3 minutes of moderate walking at 55-65% of their maximum heart rate.

Both training groups maintained this routine for a period of eight weeks, working out three times a week. Data was collected both at the study's outset and after the eight-week treatment period.

In both training groups, significant improvements were observed in a range of MetS-related factors. These included:

Reductions in weight, waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

A notable increase in serum levels of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a protein associated with various health benefits.

The HIIT group exhibited more substantial decreases in systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1C, and FBS, suggesting that HIIT may be particularly beneficial for these aspects of MetS management. On the other hand, the RT group saw more significant gains in skeletal muscle mass and 1-repetition maximum (1-RM), indicating the potential of RT to enhance muscle strength.

This study underscores the pivotal role of exercise, whether through resistance training or high-intensity interval training, in managing MetS among postmenopausal women. These findings open new doors for therapeutic strategies, offering hope for improved health and well-being for individuals grappling with MetS.

Reference:

Kazemi, S. S., Heidarianpour, A., & Shokri, E. (2023). Effect of resistance training and high-intensity interval training on metabolic parameters and serum level of Sirtuin1 in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. In Lipids in Health and Disease (Vol. 22, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-023-01940-x