Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Health
• Inflammation Biology

Background:

• Sedentary lifestyles in middle-aged workers are linked to adverse body composition and metabolic profiles.
• Combined aerobic and resistance training interventions are increasingly explored for health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 16-week combined exercise program on body composition, metabolic markers, and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers.
• To determine if changes in metabolic markers correlate with health-related outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 46 sedentary middle-aged workers, divided into control and exercise groups.
• The exercise group engaged in 75-minute sessions of combined aerobic and resistance training, three times weekly for 16 weeks.
• Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, metabolic, and inflammatory markers at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed significant improvements in waist circumference, fat mass, and muscle mass compared to the control group.
• Insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index were favorably affected by the exercise intervention.
• Exercise training led to reductions in leptin and adiponectin levels, and decreased Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) concentrations.

Conclusions:

• A 16-week combined exercise training program is effective for improving body composition and key inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers.
• This training regimen can help mitigate declines in insulin sensitivity, contributing to overall metabolic health improvement.
• The study highlights the potential of combined exercise as a strategy to enhance health outcomes in this demographic.