Effects of 12 weeks of power-oriented resistance training plus high-intensity interval training on metabolic syndrome factors in older people with COPD

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To assess the effects of an exercise training program combining power-oriented resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers in older people with COPD. Methods Twenty-nine older people (66–90 years old) with COPD were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of exercise training (ET; power-oriented RT + HIIT) or a control group (CON). Waist circumference, diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), and serum fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of the intervention, and data were reported as mean and 95 % confidence interval values. Results Waist circumference increased in the CT group, but not in the ET group (2.0 [0.2, 3.7] vs. 1.0 [−1.3, 3.2] cm, respectively). No changes in fasting glucose (−4.1 [−10.3, 2.1] vs. −1.0 [−8.7, 6.7] mg dL−1), triglycerides (3.9 [−13.4, 21.3] vs. −13.9 [−35.6, 7.7] mg dL−1) or HDL cholesterol (1.0 [−3.4, 5.4] vs. 2.9 [−2.6, 8.4] mg dL−1) were found in the CT or ET group, respectively. The ET group exhibited decreased DBP (−5.2 [−9.5, −0.8] mmHg) and SBP (−2.7 [−22.7, −2.7] mmHg), while no changes were found in the CT group (0.3 [−3.2, 3.7] and −3.5 [−11.4, 4.5] mmHg). MetS z-score declined in ET but remained unchanged in CT (−0.88 [−1.74, −0.03] vs. 0.07 [−0.62, 0.76], respectively). Conclusions A 12-week exercise training program led to a reduction in blood pressure and MetS z-score in older people with COPD.