DOC News April 1, 2005
Volume 2 Number 4 p. 15
© 2005 American Diabetes Association
Exercise Reduces Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Center suggest that a program of
moderate physical exercise can significantly reduce the risk factors
associated with metabolic syndrome, according to their report in the January
issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
The Hopkins group studied 104 older adults 55 to 75 years of age for a
6-month period. None of the subjects had signs of cardiovascular disease other
than mild hypertension. Half of the subjects received a booklet that
encouraged increased physical activity, such as walking; the other half
participated in a supervised exercise program for 60 minutes 3 days a week.
The exercise program included aerobic activity on a treadmill, bicycle, or
stepper, plus weightlifting.
Those who participated in the exercise program had a higher peak oxygen
uptake and greater strength. According to researchers, weight loss for these
subjects was obscured by gains in muscle mass, leading to a modest average
loss of 4 pounds. However, abdominal fat was reduced by 20% among those who
exercised.
At the beginning of the study, 43% of all subjects had metabolic syndrome.
By the conclusion of the study period, no new cases of metabolic syndrome were
noted among those who exercised, and the condition had resolved in nine
subjects. In the control group, eight subjects no longer had metabolic
syndrome, while four new cases appeared, resulting in a net reduction of only
18%.
The study shows that older people can benefit greatly from a program of
moderate physical exercise, according to the authors.
Stewart KJ, Bacher AC, Turner K, et al.: Exercise and risk
factors associated with metabolic syndrome in older adults. Am J
Prevent Med 28:9–18, 2005.[Medline]
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