Exercise Training and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Males with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Physical exercise has been established as an effective intervention for reducing cardiovascular mortality. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of various exercise modalities on cardiovascular risk factors in men with obesity. Materials and Methods: This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2005 and November 2023. Studies were eligible if they assessed the impact of exercise interventions on blood pressure (BP), lipid profiles, and glucose/insulin regulation in males aged 18 years or older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or greater. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: A total of 25 RCTs were included in the analysis, with PEDro scores ranging from 3 to 7. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) was associated with significant reductions in BP, with an average decrease of 12.5 mmHg. However, the magnitude of BP reduction varied across studies, likely due to differences in training protocols and study quality. Resistance training (RT) was associated with modest improvements in glycemic control, with some studies reporting a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels by 5-10%. Combined exercise (CT) programs, which included both aerobic and resistance training, as well as aerobic exercise alone, were shown to improve lipid profiles, with some studies showing reductions in total cholesterol levels ranging from 10-15%. However, the findings were inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the potential benefits and optimal exercise regimens. Conclusions: This systematic review supports the potential of exercise training in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in men with obesity, though the effectiveness varies depends on the type of exercise. Combined exercise programs have shown promise for lipid profiles, but further research is needed to confirm these effects. HIIT has been linked to BP reductions in some studies, although the results are inconsistent and depend on protocols and study quality. The limitations in study quality may impact the reliability of these findings.

Keywords: blood pressure; combined training; exercise; glucose; high-intensity interval; insulin; lipid profile.

Figure 1

PRISMA flow chart of search strategy. This figure illustrates the selection process of the reviewed studies.

Figure 2

Summary of the results (HIIT: high-intensity interval training; RT: resistance training; CT: combined training; ET: endurance training; W: week; d/w: days per week; Hr: heart rate, reps: repetitions).