Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Physical Activities on Metabolic Syndrome: A Six-Week Experimental Study in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors—including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia—that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Physical activity is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for reducing these risks. The main purpose to examine and compare the effects of six weeks of aerobic and anaerobic physical activities on selected indicators of metabolic syndrome. Forty-five adult males at risk of MetS from Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, were purposively recruited and randomly assigned into three groups: aerobic (n = 15), anaerobic (n = 15), and control (n = 15). Aerobic participants engaged in endurance-based training, anaerobic participants in resistance training, while controls maintained daily routines. The result suggested that both aerobic and anaerobic groups demonstrated significant improvements compared to controls. Aerobic activity showed greater reduction in blood pressure and lipid profile, while anaerobic activity improved glucose regulation. Control group showed minimal changes. Finally, conclusion of this study is to six weeks of structured physical activity significantly improved metabolic syndrome indicators, though longer interventions may enhance outcomes further.

Keywords: aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, metabolic syndrome, physical activity, health