Study Establishes Interval Training To Be More Effective in Metabolic Syndrome.

Oct. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- A new study has established that interval training is a better option in in improving Cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with metabolic syndrome than the regular exercise regime. The study covered 45 minute session, 5 times a week for two weeks and covered 28 male patients in the age group of 40-55 years old.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. And the mainstay of treatment is those which reverse the possible metabolic risk factors. Physical activity and/or exercise are shown to be beneficial for all risk factors of the MetS.
The authors of the study, Ajin Jayan Thomas and Priya Accal Thomas, described that previous studies have stated the efficiency of physical exercises for the risk factors much more than other interventions such as medications or dietary regulations alone. They also state that despite the efficiency of the exercises, many patients have problems with exercise initiation and compliance problems. They note that continuous exercise causes early fatigue and also feels a burden for most patients due to their obese nature. This leads to either discontinuation of the regime or submaximal performance of the regime.
The patients were divided into two groups; one went an interval training session on the cycle ergometer, while the other group underwent continuous training on the cycle ergometer. The study used the Six minute walk test as an outcome measure. The authors state that both groups showed difference between the pretest and posttest measures, but the group which underwent interval based program had a more significant changes in the outcome measure than the groups which underwent continuous training.
The authors conclude that the interval training helps the patients with MetS more efficiently, as well as to achieve the training target. They also states that larger and a longer study should help establish the efficiency better.
Author: Ajin Jayan Thomas, Priya Accal Thomas.
Source: IJOPT, Apri-June, 2011., Vol.5, No.2
http://www.physioblasts.org/news.php?item.112.2