Effects of prolonged exercise versus multiple short exercise sessions on risk for metabolic syndrome and the atherogenic index in middle-aged obese women: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Many people, although they may recognise the positive effects of exercise, do not exercise regularly owing to lack of time. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged single-session exercise and multiple short sessions of exercise on the risk of metabolic syndrome and the atherogenic index in middle-aged obese women. Methods: Thirty-six participants were divided into the single-session group, multiple-session group, and control group. The single-session group engaged in one session of treadmill exercise for 30min a day; the multiple-session group had three sessions of 10min a day. Both groups exercised 3days/week for 12weeks. The control group did not perform any exercise. Results: The single-session group showed decreases in weight (0.97kg [95% C.I. = 0.09-1.83], p