Bodyweight HIIT reduced metabolic syndrome severity (MetS-Z) by 84%, lowered systolic blood pressure by 9.4% (−14.90 mmHg), fasting glucose by 32% (−49.8 mg/dL), HbA1c by 35% (−3.30%), triglycerides by 39% (−70.8 mg/dL), and increased VO2max by 20% (+6.5 mL·kg−1·min−1) after 8 weeks in older adults with metabolic syndrome.
RCT (n=40)
outcome assessors and laboratory staff blinded when feasible; participants and trainers not blinded
computer-generated random numbers
No
Does a low-cost bodyweight calisthenic-based HIIT program improve blood pressure, glucose control, and insulin resistance in older adults with metabolic syndrome?
A low-cost, bodyweight-based HIIT program significantly improves cardiometabolic markers, including blood pressure, glucose control, and insulin resistance, in older adults with metabolic syndrome.
Effect estimate: 84% reduction in MetS-Z score from baseline in HIIT group (95% CI 95% CI for reduction at 8 weeks: −1.82 to −0.84)
Absolute Event Rate: 0.26% vs 1.63%
p-value: p=<0.0001
Objective Lack of time is the main barrier to physical exercise routines. This study evaluated the impact of whole-body, low-cost, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using bodyweight exercises on old subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Material and methods Forty participants (mean age: 72.4 ± 5.9 years; 36 women) with MetS admitted to a public health service center were randomized into control and HIIT groups. The 40-min HIIT protocol consisted of 60-s exercises at 75%–85% maximum heart rate monitored by finger oximeter, followed by 120 s of passive rest, performed three times weekly for eight weeks. We assessed exercise capacity (VO 2 max), blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index at baseline, four and eight weeks after exercise. The TyG index was used as a biomarker for insulin resistance and cardiometabolic health, and the MetS-Z to Metabolic Syndrome to severity of this condition. Results HIIT improved VO 2 max (∼20%), reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose (−32%), HbA1c (−35%), triglycerides (−39%), and TyG index (−12%) compared to controls. Conclusions The low-cost bodyweight HIIT protocol is an easy and effective strategy for improving cardiometabolic health in the elderly with MetS. Our results highlight the importance of introducing this approach into public health programs, particularly in resource-limited settings, to manage metabolic disorders and promote healthy aging.
Nascimento-da-Silva et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Older adults (≥60 years, mean age 72.4±5.9) with metabolic syndrome meeting WHO/NIH criteria (≥3 of 4 criteria) recruited from public health center in Porto Velho, Brazil (n=40). Bodyweight calisthenic-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. Control (no exercise) was evaluated on Composite metabolic syndrome severity (MetS-Z score) reflecting insulin resistance, blood pressure, glucose control, and triglyceride levels (84% reduction in MetS-Z score from baseline in HIIT group, 95% CI 95% CI for reduction at 8 weeks: −1.82 to −0.84, p=<0.0001). Bodyweight HIIT reduced metabolic syndrome severity (MetS-Z) by 84%, lowered systolic blood pressure by 9.4% (−14.90 mmHg), fasting glucose by 32% (−49.8 mg/dL), HbA1c by 35% (−3.30%), triglycerides by 39% (−70.8 mg/dL), and increased VO2max by 20% (+6.5 mL·kg−1·min−1) after 8 weeks in older adults with metabolic syndrome.