Effect of resistance training and high-intensity interval training on metabolic parameters and serum level of Sirtuin1 in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The present study analyzes the influence of resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic indices and serum levels of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in postmenopausal women who suffer from the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: 45 postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years with MetS were divided into two intervention groups (RT and HIIT) and one control group, each consisting of 15 people. The RT group performed resistance training for both the upper and lower body, while the HIIT group completed 3 min(min) of high-intensity training at 80–90% of their maximum heart rate (HRmax), followed by moderate walking for 3 min at 55–65% of HRmax. These sessions were conducted for a duration of eight weeks and three times a week, with the samples being collected at the baseline and at the end of the treatment, i.e., week 8. RESULTS: The results showed that weight, waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased, and SIRT1 increased significantly in both training groups. Systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1C, and FBS decreased more in the HIIT group. Skeletal muscle mass and 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) increased more in the RT group. CONCLUSIONS: RT and HIIT serve as one of the most effective strategies for therapeutically treating patients with metabolic syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT, IRCT20221120056548N1. Registered 23 November 2022 - Retrospectively registered.