Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiometabolic Factors in Obese Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ansoureh  Karimi; Fatemeh  Sharafifard; Fatemeh  Kazeminasab

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20854

ansoureh Karimi Department of Human Sciences and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Gonbad Kavouse, Golestan, Iran
Fatemeh Sharafifard Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
Fatemeh Kazeminasab Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v25i6.20854

Keywords: Exercise, Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Lipid profile, Insulin resistanc

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type2 diabetes. Research suggests that exercise training may improve cardiometabolic health in this population. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of exercise on these risk factors in children and adolescents with metabolicsyndrome., and behavioral outcomes in children and promoting awareness, self-care skills, and quality of life in families.

Methods: A systematic search of English and Persian articles was conducted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopusdatabases without time limits until May 2024. In data analysis, a random-effects model was used to calculate the weightedmean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Also, heterogeneityof studies was assessed with the I² test.

Results: The results of 6 studies involving 1,761 participants demonstrated that exercise training led to significantreductions in body weight [WMD = −6.32 kg, P=0.001], waist circumference [WMD = −9.11 cm, P=0.001], LDL [WMD= −0.52 mmol/L, P=0.001], TC [WMD = −0.65 mmol/L, P=0.001], serum TG [WMD = -0.56 mmol/L, P=0.001)],fasting glucose [WMD = −0.19 mmol/L, P=0.03], fasting insulin [SMD = −1.01, P=0.001], and HOMA-IR [WMD =−1.60, P=0.001] compared to the control group in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion: Exercise interventions significantly reduce body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, whileimproving lipid profiles, including serum LDL, TC, and TG levels, in obese children and adolescents with metabolicsyndrome. However, these interventions exhibited no significant impact on serum HDL concentrations. Consequently,to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve metabolic conditions, it is essential to implement long-term exercise interventions