Author(s): GARCIA CAMARENA, R., MARIN COUTURE, E., SANCHEZ, J.M., MORIN, M.P., DUBE, F., LABONTE, I., TCHERNOF, A., CHRISTENSEN, D., LOPEZ-TAYLOR, J., LAJEUNESSE TREMPE, F., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF GUADALAJARA, Country: MEXICO, Abstract-ID: 1727

INTRODUCTION:
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with cardiovascular and hepatic complications. In Canada, Hispanic immigrants face barriers to health care access and limited availability of culturally adapted services, which may hinder prevention and management of chronic metabolic conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted exercise intervention for Hispanic immigrants with MASLD living in Quebec.
METHODS:
Ten Hispanic immigrant adults with MASLD (6 men, 4 women) participated in a prospective single arm feasibility study. Participants completed a 12 week supervised Spanish language exercise program (one individual and one group session per week), followed by a 12 week unsupervised period. Clinical, hepatic, cardiometabolic, physical fitness, and self reported assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention, and follow up. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using transient elastography, with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP, dB/m) used to quantify liver fat content. Feasibility outcomes included retention, adherence, acceptability, and safety. Continuous variables were analyzed using mean ± SD or median [IQR], and longitudinal changes were assessed using linear mixed effects models.
RESULTS:
Nine participants (90%) completed the supervised phase. Adherence was high (87.5%), and no adverse events were reported. Following the supervised phase, improvements were observed in hepatic steatosis and metabolic markers. Mean CAP decreased from 254 ± 15 to 236 ± 15 dB/m post intervention but returned to 256 ± 15 dB/m after the unsupervised phase. Similarly, triglycerides decreased from 1.58 ± 0.36 to 1.43 ± 0.36 mmol/L post intervention, increasing to 1.90 ± 0.36 mmol/L at follow up. Participants reported high acceptability of the culturally adapted program, while identifying family and migration related barriers to sustained engagement.
CONCLUSION:
This culturally adapted Spanish language exercise intervention was feasible, safe, and well accepted among Hispanic immigrants with MASLD living in Canada. Improvements observed during the supervised phase, followed by partial reversal during the unsupervised period, suggest that structured supervision may play a critical role in sustaining metabolic and hepatic benefits in this population. These findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored and maintenance focused exercise strategies to support long term engagement and health outcomes in underserved immigrant communities.