Exercise Program in Women With Metabolic Syndrome

The Effect of Mixed Aerobic and Strength Training Program on Physical Fitness and Cerebrovascular Function in Older Women With Metabolic Syndrome: A Pilot Study With Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Design

The purpose of this study is to test whether a supervised mixed aerobic and strength training (MAST) program is effective in improving overall physical fitness and blood flow in the brain and lowering risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions and disorders that increase the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and strokes. Sedentary lifestyle is one of the risk factors, which decrease overall physical fitness and together with aging may lead to decrease in physical functioning in everyday life as well as changes in blood flow in the brain and cognitive functions. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It may also improve blood flow velocity and cognitive functions. Physical activity should be as effective as possible, but also as safe as possible. Supervised mixed aerobic and strength training (MAST) program for 4 months enables to individualize the intensity of aerobic exercise based on measured maximal exercise capacity. Throughout each training session heart rate will be monitored with a new real time wireless ECG system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-menopausal women
• Age 50 or over
• Diagnosed metabolic syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any unstable or acute medical condition that the study physician deem unsafe for participation
• Positive stress test for CAD or other ischemic conditions
• Myocardial infarction or major surgery within 6 months
• History of a clinically documented stroke
• Clinical dementia (by history) or inability to follow details of the protocol
• Carotid stenosis > 50% by medical history
• Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (also type II, if using insulin) or history of severe hypoglycemic episodes within 6 months requiring hospitalization
• Liver or renal failure or transplant
• Severe blood pressure elevation (systolic BP > 180 and/or diastolic BP > 110 mm Hg)
• Anemia (Hb < 10)
• Seizure disorders
• Current recreational drug or alcohol abuse
• BMI > 45, but body weight under 280 lbs
• Inability to obtain permission for participation from the primary care physician
• Clinically significant and movement limiting hip, knee and/or back disorders or injury, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Transcranial Doppler (TCD) exclusion criteria - poor insonation window and TCD signal