Exercise significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SMD -0.33), diastolic blood pressure (SMD -0.52), and resting heart rate (SMD -0.30) in sedentary populations compared to controls.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,093)
Does exercise improve cardiovascular disease risk factors in sedentary populations?
Regular exercise significantly improves blood pressure and resting heart rate in sedentary populations, though it may not significantly alter lipid profiles or BMI.
Effect estimate: SMD -0.33 (95% CI -0.62 to -0.05)
p-value: p=0.02
Objective The aim of this study (PROSPERO CRD42023443860) was to determine the dose–response associations of exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors in sedentary populations using systematic evaluation and meta-analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the literature up to July 2024 using PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Of the 72,704 search records initially identified, 15 studies were considered eligible for systematic evaluation and meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool. Using a random-effects model, we pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for key cardiovascular risk factors. Results Exercise improved systolic blood pressure SMD = −0.33 (95% CI, −0.62 to −0.05), p = 0.02, diastolic blood pressure SMD = −0.52 (95% CI, −0.92 to −0.12), p = 0.01, and resting heart rate SMD = −0.30 (95% CI, −0.50 to −0.10), p = 0.004. However, no significant effects were observed for total cholesterol SMD = −0.03 (95% CI: −0.24 to 0.18), p = 0.78, HDL cholesterol SMD = 0.06 (95% CI: −0.16 to 0.27), p = 0.6, LDL cholesterol SMD = −0.21 (95% CI: −0.59 to 0.18), p = 0.29, triglycerides SMD = −0.11 (95% CI: −0.42 to 0.21), p = 0.51, or body mass index SMD = 0.01 (95% CI: −0.16 to 0.17), p = 0.94. Conclusion Regular exercise with a duration of 30–40 min per session and a frequency of 3–5 sessions per week significantly improves blood pressure and resting heart rate in sedentary populations, but does not appear to affect lipid profiles or body mass index.
Guo et al. (Thu,) conducted a meta-analysis in Sedentary population (n=1,093). Exercise vs. No exercise intervention or routine care was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.62 to -0.05, p=0.02). Exercise significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SMD -0.33), diastolic blood pressure (SMD -0.52), and resting heart rate (SMD -0.30) in sedentary populations compared to controls.