Effect of different types of exercise interventions on cardiometabolic risk factors: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Physical activity (PA) is important for the prevention and management of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). We aim to investigate the effect of different types of exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in these subjects with CV risk factors but no history of CVD is lacking. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to November 2025 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The population studied referred to adults with at least one CV risk factor. 16 meta-analysis publications were included. Strong evidence for a benefit was found for i) aerobic exercise and waist circumference (WC) reduction compared to control group in males and females with metabolic syndrome Mean Difference (MD) −3.44 (95% CI −4.81, −2.07) cm, ii) Tai Chi and SBP reduction after ≥6 months [MD −8.80 (95% CI −11.28, −6.32) mmHg, DBP reduction after 3 months MD −7.58 (95% CI −8.56, −6.60) mmHg and after ≥6 months of Tai Chi training MD −4.62 (95% CI −6.09, −3.16) mmHg, and total cholesterol reduction following Tai Chi training in adult males and females with essential hypertension MD −8.46 (−11.7, −5.4) mg/dL compared to control group. HIIT, resistance, Yoga and Qigong training did not show any convincing evidence for a benefit in cardiometabolic parameters. The most convincing evidence relates to a benefit from Aerobic or Tai Chi training mainly in SBP and DBP reduction and secondarily to WC and total cholesterol reduction. The role of HIIT, Resistance, Yoga and Qigong training in cardiometabolic health is uncertain. • Atherosclerotic related cardiovascular disease is ranking first across the conditions listed in the global burden of diseases. • PA is important for the prevention and management of a variety of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases. • Different types of exercise may exert certain advantages in metabolic parameters in individuals with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. • The most convincing evidence relates to a benefit in SBP and DBP reduction by Aerobic or Tai Chi training.