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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 6/2014

01-06-2014 | Systematic Review

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Arterial Stiffness in Obese Populations

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: David Montero, Christian K. Roberts, Agnès Vinet

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 6/2014

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Abstract

Background and Objective

Controversy exists as to whether aerobic exercise training decreases arterial stiffness in obese subjects. The aim of this study was to systematically review and quantify the effect of aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness in obese populations.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up until May 2013 for trials assessing the effect of aerobic training interventions lasting 8 weeks or more on arterial stiffness in obese populations (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Standardized mean difference (SMD) in arterial stiffness parameters (augmentation index, β-stiffness, distensibility, pulse wave velocity, arterial waveforms) was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to study potential moderating factors.

Results

Eight trials, comprising a total of 235 subjects with an age range of 49–70 years, met the inclusion criteria. Arterial stiffness was not significantly reduced by aerobic training (SMD −0.17; 95 % confidence interval (CI) −0.39, 0.06, P = 0.14). Similarly, post-intervention arterial stiffness was similar between the aerobic-trained and control obese groups (SMD 0.02; 95 % CI −0.28, 0.32, P = 0.88). Neither heterogeneity nor publication bias were detected in these analyses. In subgroup analyses, arterial stiffness was significantly reduced in aerobic-trained subgroups having below median values in post- minus pre-intervention systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P < 0.01), exercise intensity rating score (P < 0.01), and methodological quality score (P < 0.01). Equivalent results were obtained in meta-regression analyses.

Conclusion

Based on current published trials, arterial stiffness is generally not reduced in middle-aged and older obese populations in response to aerobic training. However, in studies using low-intensity aerobic training and yielding a decrease in SBP, arterial stiffness may decrease. Long-term studies are needed to assess the prognostic value of these findings.
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Metadata
Title
Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Arterial Stiffness in Obese Populations
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors
David Montero
Christian K. Roberts
Agnès Vinet
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0165-y

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