Resistance training reduces metabolic syndrome and inflammatory markers in older women: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study analyzed the effects of a 12-week resistance training (RT) program without dietary interventions on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women. MethodsFifty-three older women (mean [SD] age 70.45.7years; mean body mass index 26.74.0kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to a training group (TG; n=26) that performed 12weeks of an RT program or a control group (CG; n=27) that did not perform any type of physical exercise over the same period. Body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), blood pressure (BP), and blood sample measurements were performed before and after intervention. ResultsAfter the 12-week period, there were significantly reductions (P<0.05) in glucose levels (-20.4% vs -0.3%), waist circumference (-1.5% vs +2.0%), and systolic BP (-6.2% vs +0.9%), and complete normalization of MetS prevalence (18% at baseline vs. 0% after 12-weeks RT) in the TG. Moreover, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor- concentrations decreased in the TG (-28.6% and -21.6%, respectively), but increased in the CG (+34.5% and +13.3%, respectively). In addition there were positive improvements in the MetS Z-score in the TG but not CG (-21.6% vs +13.3%, respectively). ConclusionThe results suggest that a 12-week RT program seems to effectively reduce MetS components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women, regardless of dietary intervention. The RT-induced adaptations in body composition and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be related to healthy adaptations in risk factors for MetS.