A Supervised, Online, Home-Based Eccentric Resistance Exercise Program for Patients With Metabolic...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Diseases

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease linked to increased risks of cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
• Patients with MASLD often face challenges adhering to regular exercise, despite its known benefits in reducing liver steatosis and associated risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a supervised, home-based, online bodyweight eccentric exercise program on liver health, metabolic markers, and physical fitness in individuals with MASLD.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen adults with MASLD were randomized into an exercise group (n=9) or a control group (n=7) receiving lifestyle counseling.
• The exercise group engaged in a progressive, online bodyweight eccentric program for 5-25 minutes/session, 5 days/week for 8 weeks.
• Outcomes included controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for liver steatosis, anthropometrics, liver enzymes, and physical function tests.

Main Results:

• The exercise group demonstrated significant reductions in CAP (-13.2%), waist circumference (-4.4%), hip circumference (-2.6%), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (-23.9%).
• Improvements in physical fitness were observed, including sit-to-stand (24.3%), 3-m timed up and go (-15.6%), 2-min step test (37.5%), and single-leg balance (25.1%).
• No significant changes were noted in the control group.

Conclusions:

• The home-based eccentric exercise program effectively reduced hepatic steatosis in MASLD patients.
• The program significantly enhanced physical fitness parameters, indicating its potential for improving overall health in this population.
• Online, supervised eccentric exercise presents a viable strategy for managing MASLD and improving metabolic health.