Combined aerobic and resistance training ranked highest for improving body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol and fasting glucose in metabolic syndrome; high-volume HIIT was most effective for body fat percentage.
Combined aerobic and resistance training ranked highest for improving body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol and fasting glucose in metabolic syndrome; high-volume HIIT was most effective for body fat percentage.
What they did
Network meta-analysis of 53 trials (2,948 participants) comparing ten exercise modalities (including AT+RT, HV-HIIT, LV-HIIT, TCE and others) for metabolic syndrome outcomes: BMI, waist circumference, lipids, fasting glucose, blood pressure, body fat.
What they found
AT+RT ranked highest for BMI, waist circumference, LDL, and fasting glucose. HV-HIIT was most effective for body fat percentage. LV-HIIT showed greatest benefits for total cholesterol, triglycerides, and diastolic BP. Traditional Chinese exercise ranked highest for HDL and systolic BP.
What it actually shows
Network meta-analysis of 53 studies, 2,948 participants; most evidence rated low or very low certainty; no single modality superior across all metabolic syndrome components; phenotype-specific outcomes suggest heterogeneous effectiveness.
Study · iScience
Where it fits
No single exercise modality improves all metabolic syndrome components equally. Evidence supports phenotype-tailored exercise prescription based on individual metabolic abnormalities, though certainty is low.
The source
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