Effect of exercise training on lipid profiles in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aims: There are many articles about the effects of different training methods on lipid profiles in the elderly. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of training on the lipid profile in the elderly. Methods: In this study, databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar were searched. Intervention effects were presented as mean difference (MD) with a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to study heterogeneity, following the primary screening of the full text of the articles. Results: A total of 23 trials with 1654 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD = 0.47 mg/dL; P<0.001, SE = 0.08, V = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.31 0.63, Z = 5.73, 19 trials), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD = -0.46; P<0.001, SE = 0.11, V = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.68 -0.25, Z = -4.24), triglyceride (MD = -0.62; P=0.001, SE = 0.12, V = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.86 -0.38, Z = -5.03, 20 trials), and total cholesterol (TC) (MD = -0.33; P<0.001, SE = 0.09, V = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.52 -0.15, Z = -3.57, 16 trials) were investigated. Following sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity testing, the results were still strong and impressive. Conclusion: Lipid profiles improved in training groups, indicating higher levels of HDL-C and lower levels of LDL-C, TC, and triglyceride. Overall, training leads to a better lipid profile. However, closer scrutiny seems necessary.