Effect of a 12-Week Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Program on Lipid Profiles, Metabolic Syndrome, and Physical Fitness in Chinese Perimenopausal Female University Teachers: A Single-Arm Pilot Study

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which affects over 24% of Chinese adults [4], poses a particular risk to sedentary occupations such as university faculty. This single-arm pilot study investigated the effects of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on lipid metabolism, MetS components, and physical fitness in perimenopausal female academics. Methods: A total of 101 women aged 43-49 years, classified according to IDF criteria into asymptomatic (n=19), MetS (n=50), and metabolic disease (n=32) groups, participated in a 12-week supervised program. The intervention consisted of progressive resistance training twice weekly and aerobic walking three times weekly. Primary outcomes included health-related fitness, lipid profiles, and MetS components. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all domains (all p<0.001). The metabolic disease group demonstrated the greatest gains in muscular strength (+9.5%) and endurance (+35.4%). Triglyceride levels decreased by 9.3% in the MetS group and 10.0% in the metabolic disease group (both p<0.05). Overall, fasting glucose declined by 15.2%. The prevalence of MetS decreased by 18.8%, accompanied by a 17.5% increase in asymptomatic cases. Conclusion: A structured combined exercise program significantly improved lipid metabolism and reduced MetS prevalence, supporting its potential as a non-pharmacological strategy for metabolic health management in high-risk sedentary occupational groups.