Author(s): RELJIC, D., HERRMANN, H.J., NEURATH, M.F., ZOPF, Y., Institution: UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ERLANGEN, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 2319

INTRODUCTION:
Exercise is a cornerstone in metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment. In recent years, various time-efficient exercise modalities, such as low-volume high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT), single-set resistance training (1-RT) or whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) have gained growing popularity. Research has shown that these low-volume training protocols can induce similar or even superior improvements in different health outcomes compared to more traditional, higher-volume exercise modalities in clinical populations [1-3]. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of combined low-volume exercise programs, including LOW-HIIT (5x1 min at 80-95% maximal heart rate on cycle ergometers), 1-RT (5 machine-based exercises, 8-12 reps at 70-80% of 1-RM) or WB-EMS (20 min muscle stimulation), on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in obese MetS patients.
METHODS:
Seventy-seven obese MetS patients (53±12 yrs, BMI: 39.1±7.0) were randomized into either LOW-HIIT+1-RT or LOW-HIIT+WB-EMS, each performed 2x weekly for 12 weeks. Total time per session was 35 min in both protocols. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), muscle strength of major muscle groups, overall fitness score (Fit-S), selected cardiometabolic risk markers and the MetS severity Z-score were determined pre- and post-intervention.
RESULTS:
Both groups significantly reduced body weight by an average of 2.3% (p<0.05). By average, VO2max (1.8 mL/kg/min, p=0.002), muscle strength in all major muscle groups (average: 10%, all p<0.05) and Fit-S (7.8 units, p<0.001) increased more in LOW-HIIT+1-RT compared to LOW-HIIT+WB-EMS. Moreover, average reduction in MetS z-score was significantly greater in LOW-HIIT+1-RT (1.2 units, p<0.001) compared to LOW-HIIT-WB-EMS, mainly due to higher average decreases in mean arterial blood pressure (9 mmHg, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION:
The results of this study indicate that a combined LOW-HIIT plus 1-RT program provides greater improvements in physical fitness and cardiometabolic health than LOW-HIIT plus WB-EMS in obese MetS patients. Given the growing popularity of time-saving training protocols and their increasing application in clinical settings, our results provide important novel findings with practical implications for those involved in designing and implementing exercise programs for obese MetS patients. Due to the clinically relevant differences between both programs, LOW-HIIT should be combined with 1-RT rather than with WB-EMS.

REFERENCES
1) Reljic D et al. Sci Rep, 11: 2836 (2021).
2) Reljic D et al. Nutrients, 13: 1640 (2021).
3) Reljic D et al., JPP, 71 : 89-98(2020).