Using propensity score matching analysis to compare between cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and physical activity type in Korean adults: Findings from a nationwide population-based survey

Abstract

Abstract Purpose We aimed to assess the effects of different exercise modalities on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors within a comprehensive, representative sample of the Korean population. Methods We categorized 13,971 adult participants into aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (TE), and no exercise (NE) groups. Multivariable regressions were conducted to compare the incidence of chronic diseases across the groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results The TE and RE groups had significantly lower waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, glucose and insulin-related indices, and white blood cell count (WBC) measures, with TE showing the most significant differences. The TE group had significantly lower triglyceride levels and higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Post-PSM, the TE group had the lowest risk for hypertension and metabolic syndrome, followed by the RE group, while diabetes risk decreased exclusively in the TE group. RE consistently exhibited benefits, including lower body mass index, WC, blood pressure, glucose and insulin-related indices, and WBC count compared with AE. RE reduced the incidence of metabolic diseases compared with AE. Conclusion TE effectively reduces cardiovascular risk in Korean adults. RE provides a more favorable metabolic effect than AE.