Acute effects of circuit-based combined exercise on blood pressure and glycemia in adults with metabolic disorders

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a single session of circuit-based combined exercise on blood pressure and glycemia in adults with metabolic disorders. Methods: In this crossover trial, adults with at least two components of metabolic disorders (hypertension, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, or dyslipidemia) were randomized into two experimental sessions: circuit-based combined exercise and control sessions. The circuit-based combined exercise was structured in five blocks, consisting of four exercises performed for 40 seconds each, with 20 seconds of rest between them, alternating between resistance and aerobic modalities. Each block was performed twice. During the control, the participants remained seated at rest without any exercise. Each protocol lasted 50 min. Office blood pressure and glycemia were assessed before and after the experimental sessions for 1-h. Enjoyment was also evaluated after the circuit-based combined exercise. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to compare the main effects of intervention on outcomes. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-two adults (7 men and 15 women aged 40-65) participated in the study. Comparing circuit-based combined exercise with control, systolic blood pressure showed a significant reduction at total average at post 60' (-5 mmHg; p=0.048), while diastolic blood pressure shows a trend observed at total average at post 60' (-3 mmHg; p=0.053). No significant difference in glycemia between circuit-based combined exercise and control sessions was found. The enjoyment score after circuit-based combined exercise was 124 AU or 98%. Conclusion: The circuit-based combined exercise effectively reduced blood pressure, maintained glycemic stability, and demonstrated high levels of participant enjoyment. These findings highlight its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving metabolic health in adults with metabolic disorders.