Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: The results of the studies indicated that exercise training may decrease the metabolic syndrome factors. Hence, the present study conducted to evaluate the effect of moderate- intensity aerobic exercise on metabolic syndrome risk factors and acylated ghrelin in middle- age women.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental design, twenty-four middle-aged women with metabolic syndrome that voluntarily participated in this research assigned into two control (n=12) and aerobic training (n=12) groups. Training group was participated in aerobic exercise program that including walking and jogging with 60-70% HRR intensity for 8 weeks (three times per week). Status appetite of subjects and venous blood samples were collected before and after training program. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and ANCOVA tests.
Results: The results indicated that aerobic training caused a significant reduction in the MetS Z scores, waist circumference, triglyceride, blood pressure, satiety, total caloric intake and significant increase in the acylated ghrelin plasma concentrations, high density lipoprotein, amount of protein consumption and hunger sensations in the training group (p<0.05). While no significant changes were observed found of these parameters in the control group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Eight-week aerobic training can decrease the metabolic syndrome risk factors and increase satiety in middle-aged women. However, to understand the exact mechanism, further research is needed.