Abstract

It has been proposed that the combination of high-intensity aerobic exercises and resistance training (RT) known as concurrent training (CT) could improve metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers, and that the exercise mixture in CT could dampen muscle anaerobic pathways, a result known as the interference effect. However, there is scarce evidence on its effects in women across different ages. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of a 10-week CT intervention on MetS markers and endurance performance in adult women and compared age-related differences between young, adult, and older participants. A total of 112 women with >1 MetS risk factors were included in the study. Participants were allocated to different groups according to the following cutoff age ranges: 20-29years (y), n = 25; 30-39y, n = 35; 40-49y, n = 43; and 50-59y, n = 53. Participants performed 10 weeks of CT, including resistance training (RT), involving six major muscle groups, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in a cycle ergometer. Anthropometric, cardiovascular, metabolic, and performance outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. The CT induced significant improvements in waist circumference (WC) (20-29y: -2.5; 30-39y: -4.1; 40-49y: -4.2; 50-59y: -2.8 Delta cm) and the distance achieved in the six-minute walking test (6Mwt) (20-29y: +47.6; 30-39y: +66.0; 40-49y: +43.0; 50-59y: +58.6 Delta m) across all age groups, without significant differences between groups. In addition, a significant correlation was found between 6Mwt and WC, independent of age. In conclusion, our results showed that a 10-week CT intervention improved MetS risk factors in women, suggesting that the beneficial effects promoted by CT are independent of age and confirming CT as an effective, age-independent training regimen to improve metabolic health in women.