The effects of varying exercise volumes on the metabolic syndrome in women

This study examined the trend of varying volumes of exercise on the risk factors embodying the metabolic syndrome in sedentary women (n=21, 49.2 ± 5.7 years). The following measurements: waist and hip circumference, weight, height, resting blood pressure, body composition, fasting levels of blood glucose, lipids, and insulin, peak V02 and treadmill time were measured at baseline and upon the completion of the study. Women were randomly assigned to one of three energy expenditure groups: 600 kcals/week (n=6), 800 kcals/week (n=8) or 1000 kcals/week (n=7). They were instructed to perform cardiovascular exercise three times a week for three months in a moderate exercise-training program with no modifications in their diet. The results revealed few significant changes in the risk factors embodying the metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, these volumes of exercise were adequate in reducing at least one metabolic disorder in nearly half (48%) of our subject population. This impact of exercise on metabolic syndrome risk factors was clinically important because as metabolic disorders decreased so did the mortality risk from cardiovascular and coronary disease within these women.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.S.