Effects of concurrent exercise training on body composition, systemic inflammation, and components of metabolic syndrome in inactive academics: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Low physical activity in the academic workplace may increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. This randomised controlled trial investigated the effect of 14 weeks of concurrent exercise training (CT) on components of metabolic syndrome, body composition, insulin resistance, and markers of systemic inflammation in inactive academics.

Methods: 59 inactive academics were randomised into a CT (n = 29) or wait-list control group (n = 30). CT performed supervised training at an onsite facility 3 times per week for 14 weeks and cardiometabolic health was assessed pre- and post-intervention. Aerobic capacity was measured via a metabolic cart. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry measured fat mass, lean mass, and central adiposity. Fasting blood samples were analysed for interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glucose, and lipid profile.

Results: Following the intervention, there was a decrease in fat mass (mean ± SD; - 1.3 ± 1.4%), android fat mass (median (IQR); - 0.06 (0.27) kg), and visceral adipose tissue (median (IQR); - 66 (110) cm³) in CT, but not control. Lean mass (median (IQR); 1.35 (1.86) kg) and aerobic capacity (mean ± SD; 4.0 ± 3.1 mL/kg/min) increased in CT, but not in control. There were no changes in IL-6, TNF-a, HOMA-IR, glucose, or lipid profile in response to the intervention (P > 0.05). Changes in insulin resistance were positively associated with IL-6 in the control group only (coefficients [95%CI]; 5.957 [2.961, 8.953]).

Conclusion: Implementing combined aerobic and resistance exercise training programs in academic institutions may be an appropriate intervention to increase physical activity and reduce risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disease.

Trial registration: The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on the 23rd of April, 2019 (ACTRN12619000608167).

Keywords: Endurance and resistance exercise; Physical activity; Prevention; University staff; Workplace intervention.