Comparison of aerobic exercise, diet or both on lipids and lipoproteins in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objective Given that previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the effects of diet (D), aerobic exercise (E) or both (DE) on blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults, the meta-analytic approach was used to address this issue. Data Sources Nine electronic databases, cross-referencing, and expert review. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials ≥ 4 weeks that included a D, E, DE and control (C) group in adults ≥ 18 years of age and in which data for one or more of the following were available: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG). Data Extraction Dual data extraction by the first two authors. Statistical Analysis Random-effects models as well as mixed-effects models for between-group differences. Results Seven-hundred and eighty-eight men and women from 6 studies were included. Non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals were observed for D and DE with respect to lowering TC, LDL-C and TG while reductions in E were limited to TG. No significant changes in HDL-C were observed. When compared to E, reductions in TC and LDL-C were greater for D and DE (p <0.05 for all). Conclusions Diet, especially DE, are superior to E for improving selected lipids and lipoproteins in adults.

Secondary Prevention of New Vascular Events with Lifestyle Intervention in Patients with Noncardioembolic Mild Ischemic Stroke: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Previous meta-analyses demonstrated that lifestyle modification by means of exercise and appropriate nutrition support produced a beneficial reduction in SBP [22,23] and an increase in HDL-C [24]. Our results were greater in magnitude than the data from the previous meta-analyses of drug monotherapy [22,23] and lifestyle modification alone [23,24]. Thus, our results might reflect a combination effect of lifestyle intervention and medication.…”

Fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles of diabetic patients improve with aerobic exercise training

“…In addition, positive changes were also evident in a three-week walking programme reported in the study of GoldhaberFiebert et al although insignificantly small. 48,49 The percentage decline in LDL-C (11.9%) observed in this study is greater than the value in the meta-analysis conducted by Kelly and Kelly which indicated a significant reduction by 5% for LDL-C. 50 The improvement in TC, T, HDL-C-C and LDL-C exhibits clear evidence of reduction in atherogenic traits of risk factors 51,52 and better quality of life [53][54][55] of the sample studied. Authors observed that there are variations in the findings associated with this study in literature which are attributed to intensity, duration and frequency of exercise trainings and sample sizes.…”

Exercise as a Polypill for Chronic Diseases

“…In a recent meta-analysis of RCTs by Kelley et al, 59 it emerged that PA reduced TG but not TC, HDL, and LDL. These same authors had previously shown that resistance training reduced TC, the TC:HDL ratio, LDL, and TG, while HDL changes were not significant in adults.…”