A combined continuous and interval aerobic training improves metabolic syndrome risk factors in men.

Individuals with metabolic syndrome have significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes leading to premature death mortality. Metabolic syndrome has a complex aetiology, thus it may require a combined and multi-targeted aerobic exercise regimen to improve risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined continuous and interval aerobic training on patients with metabolic syndrome. Thirty adult male with metabolic syndrome (54±8 years) were randomly divided into two groups: Test Training Group (TTG; n=15) or Control Group (CG; n=15). Subjects in TTG group performed combined continuous and interval aerobic training using a motorised treadmill three times per week for 16 weeks. Subjects in CG group were advised to continue with their normal activities of life. Twenty-two men completed the study (11 men in each group). At the end of the study, in TTG group, there were significant (for all, P<0.05) reductions in total body weight (-3.2%), and waist circumference (-3.43 cm), blood pressure (BP; up to -12.7 mmHg), plasma insulin, glucose and triacylglycerides levels. Moreover, there were significant (for all, P