Metabolic Syndromes

Biography

Biography: Georgia Torres

Abstract

Effective exercise programs for treating metabolic syndrome (MetS) have not been devised. The principle aim of this study was therefore to use the anaerobic threshold (AT) to design an exercise program that optimized individual exercise responses in individuals with MetS. Ten participants with MetS (MetSL) exercised using a walking program which does not use the AT to set training intensities. A second group of ten participants without MetS exercised using velocity at AT to set training intensities (Non-MetSV). The experimental group consisted of ten participants with MetS exercising using velocity at AT to set training intensities (MetSV). Physical, physiological and metabolic responses were measured in all groups before, during and after 20 weeks of exercise. BMI and waist circumference decreased in all groups. In addition, velocity at AT increased in all training groups. The VO₂ peak did not change significantly in the non-MetSV group. The blood pressure response was favorable in the groups with MetS yet absent in the group without MetS. The MetSV group was the only group to show significant, positive changes in any of the metabolic parameters (fasting insulin and HOMA). In addition, the training program used in the MetSV group had a greater effect on reducing the number of MetS components than did the training program not using AT. An exercise program using AT to set intensity is effective in eliciting beneficial responses in individuals diagnosed with MetS while allowing a bearable exercise intensity and duration in subjects unaccustomed to the discipline of exercise training.