Volume 28, Issue 150, August 2024

Strength training as a potential tool in reducing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and comparison to aerobic exercise: Review study

Michał Bielecki^1♦, Agata Zapałowska¹, Adam Jaskulski², Dominika Kabała³, Tymon Zatorski⁴, Marcin Głód⁵, Milena Szczepańska⁶

¹John Paul II Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital, Daleka 11, 05-825, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
²The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw-Ochota, Szczęśliwicka 36, 02-353 Warsaw, Poland
³University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
⁴The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw-Mokotów, Madalińskiego 13, 02-513 Warsaw, Poland
⁵Masovian Bródnowski Hospital, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland,
⁶Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding Author
John Paul II Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital, Daleka 11, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland

ABSTRACT

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a group of common ailments that are a leading cause of death worldwide. Various modifiable risk factors are identified, consisting of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and tobacco smoking. This review aims to analyze the influence of strength training on these factors, compare it to the impact of more popular aerobic exercise, and evaluate its potential as an intervention in at-risk populations. Method: A systemic search was conducted in the publicly available databases Pubmed and Google Scholar for RCTs and review studies that included CVDs modifiable risk factors and strength or aerobic training intervention. After screening, ten studies were included in the analysis. Results: The review concludes that in the case of a few risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, strength training might be a valuable alternative to aerobic exercise. In the case of obesity, smoking cessation, and dyslipidemia, the influence of this intervention is less clear. Conclusion: Health practitioners worldwide should approach every patient individually, with careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of each intervention. Research indicates that strength training effectively reduces hypertension and increases glycemic control. It may have some value in patients struggling with obesity, dyslipidemia, and smoking cessation. However, personal preference, other benefits of exercises, availability of additional equipment, and other factors should be considered to ensure the best outcome.

Keywords: Strength training, resistance training, cardiovascular risk factors

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e92ms3412

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i150.e92ms3412

Published: 07 August 2024