The effects of exercise programs in terms of improving lipid profiles in East Asians with dyslipidemia:A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background:Exercise therapy is one way to improve non-communicable diseases, but subjects’ characteristics and differences in the exercise performed may alter the effects of exercise on lipid and lipoprotein levels in adults with dyslipidemia. Aim:The current systematic review and meta-analysis explored the ideal exercise program (frequency, intensity, type, and time [FITT]) for improving dyslipidemia in middle-aged East Asian adults. Subjects and methods:Inclusion criteria were interventions involving only continued exercise. The mean differences (MD) in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were calculated and pooled as overall effects. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between FITT variables and the MDs. Results:Thirteen studies (501 subjects) were analyzed. The pooled MDs in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels improved significantly, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contained significant heterogeneity (I2=54.7%). A meta-regression analysis revealed that a decrease in exercise intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]) and female subjects (%) were significantly associated with a decrease in the LDL-C, and the heterogeneity was improved (I2=12.7%). Conclusion:In East Asian adults with dyslipidemia, low to moderate-intensity exercise might be effective at improving LDL-C. J. Med. Invest. 73 : 365-372, August, 2026