Effects of Exercise Training on Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Diabetic Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women and is associated with higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events. Individuals who are physically active are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome. An appropriate exercise program which considers the needs of postmenopausal diabetic women should be selected.

Objective: The purpose of this review was to systematically review the effects of exercise training and the type of exercise training on the components of metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Literature search was conducted in the PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science for all articles published up to December 2020. RCTs that investigated the effect of exercises on components of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal diabetic women were eligible for this review.   

Results: Four studies involving 88 participants were selected for analysis. The components of the metabolic syndrome significantly improved were BMI (1/3 studies), Diastolic blood pressure (1/3 studies), HbA1c (1/3 studies), Fasting glucose (1/1 study) Triglycerides (1/2 studies), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1/3 studies).

Conclusion: exercise programs result in a modest improvement in some components of metabolic syndrome. Exercise benefits are associated with exercise mode, frequency, duration and total length of study.