High intensity interval training exercise-induced physiological changes and their potential influence on metabolic syndrome clinical biomarkers: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Despite the current debate about the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT), HIIT elicits big morpho-physiological benefit on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) treatment. However, no review or meta-analysis has compared the effects of HIIT to non-exercising controls in MetS variables. The aim of this study was to determine through a systematic review, the effectiveness of HIIT on MetS clinical variables in adults. Methods Studies had to be randomised controlled trials, lasting at least 3 weeks, and compare the effects of HIIT on at least one of the MetS clinical variables [fasting blood glucose (BG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) triglyceride (TG), systolic (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and waist circumference (WC)] compared to a control group. The methodological quality of the studies selected was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results Ten articles fulfilled the selection criteria, with a mean quality score on the PEDro scale of 6.7. Compared with controls, HIIT groups showed significant and relevant reductions in BG (− 0.11 mmol/L), SBP (− 4.44 mmHg), DBP (− 3.60 mmHg), and WC (− 2.26 cm). Otherwise, a slight increase was observed in HDL-C (+ 0.02 mmol/L). HIIT did not produce any significant changes in TG (− 1.29 mmol/L). Conclusions HIIT improves certain clinical aspects in people with MetS (BG, SBP, DBP and WC) compared to people with MetS who do not perform physical exercise. Plausible physiological changes of HIIT interventions might be related with large skeletal muscle mass implication, improvements in the vasomotor control, better baroreflex control, reduction of the total peripheral resistance, increases in excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, and changes in appetite and satiety mechanisms.

Structural Equation Modelling for Predicting the Relative Contribution of Each Component in the Metabolic Syndrome Status Change

“…Hence, these physiopathological mechanisms are expressed in obesity-associated and metabolic defects in other tissues, such as atherogenic dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension [59]. In this complex process, apart from obesity-associated insulin resistance, other metabolic factors play a key role in the evolution of MetS, including inflammatory factors [60], defects in the target cell (i.e., receiver and post-receiver) [2], and an increase in insulin counterregulatory hormones and anti-insulin antibodies (AIA) [61]. Consequently, endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidemia leads to atherosclerotic mechanisms and arterial intima-media thickness [62,63], and, consequently, to an increased risk of micro and macrovascular complications in chronic disease, with a particular emphasis on T2DM [2], which explains the inclusion of SBP, DBP, TG and HDL in the harmonised definition of MetS [28].…”

“…Nevertheless, aerobic training seems to produce the greatest outcomes, especially regarding high-intensity training [55,72,74]. Chronic adaptations linked to an optimised glycaemic control, fat mass reduction and cardiovascular fitness improvement are normally associated with aerobic training [60]. Moreover, resistance exercise seems to have a positive effect on MetS prevention when combined with aerobic exercise [74].…”

Physical Fitness Recovery of Athletes Based on High-Intensity Sports Intermittent Training

“…3 and 4. Revise and optimize according to experts' suggestions, and finally determine the final index of the general physical fitness index [22]. The experts were consulted on the reselected indicators.…”

Effects of Low-Volume, High-Intensity Interval Training Compared with Continuous Training on Regional and Global Body Composition in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A post hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Although exercise training reduces abdominal obesity and improves MS [10, 11], it remains unclear which exercise modality is more effective in combating these pathological conditions. The effects of HIIT in reducing visceral fat [6, 12] and potentially stimulating greater gains of muscle mass than MICT [13] are appealing for people with abdominal obesity and MS [14-16].…”