Comparison of Aerobic Exercise, Diet or Both on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Adults: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Overview

Journal Clin Nutr

Publisher Elsevier

Date 2011 Dec 14

PMID 22154987

Citations 50

Authors

George A Kelley

Kristi S Kelley

Susan Roberts

William Haskell

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: Given that previous studies have reached conflicting conclusions regarding the effects of diet (D), aerobic exercise (E) or both (DE) on blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults, the meta-analytic approach was used to address this issue.

Data Sources: Nine electronic databases, cross-referencing, and expert review.

Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials ≥ 4 weeks that included a D, E, DE and control (C) group in adults ≥ 18 years of age and in which data for one or more of the following were available: total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG).

Data Extraction: Dual data extraction by the first two authors.

Statistical Analysis: Random-effects models as well as mixed-effects models for between-group differences.

Results: Seven-hundred and eighty-eight men and women from 6 studies were included. Non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals were observed for D and DE with respect to lowering TC, LDL-C and TG while reductions in E were limited to TG. No significant changes in HDL-C were observed. When compared to E, reductions in TC and LDL-C were greater for D and DE (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions: Diet, especially DE, are superior to E for improving selected lipids and lipoproteins in adults.

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