Strength Training Versus Aerobic Interval Training to Modify Risk Factors of the Metabolic Syndrome

In the Western world, approximately 25% of young to middle-aged adults have metabolic syndrome. There seem to be a strong age-dependence in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, but the incidence rises rapidly within adolescents and middle-aged groups and follows the development of obesity in the general population. Metabolic syndrome confers an increased risk of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature death; therefore, effective and affordable strategies to combat the syndrome would be of great individual and social importance.

Despite the general agreement that moderate-intensity physical activity for a minimum of 30 min five days per week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 min three days a week promote and maintain health, the optimal training regime to treat metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular abnormalities remains uncertain.