International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Health Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise in People at Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases

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Dr. Lucieli Teresa Cambri

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Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil
Interests: obesity; blood pressure; family history of chronic diseases; stress reactivity; physical exercise; aerobic fitness; aerobic exercise; autonomic cardiac modulation; occupational health

Dr. Ana Carolina Ghezzi

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Guest Editor

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Interests: obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus; insulin resistance; high blood pressure; metabolic syndrome; aging; epigenetic pathways; physical activity; aerobic exercise

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The main risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, stress, and family history/genetics. Physical activity and regular exercise represent a non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention and control of most cardiovascular risk factors and are widely recommended by medical and scientific guidelines around the world. Physical activity and exercise have been recognized as essential for promoting, maintaining, and restoring cardiovascular and metabolic health. In recent years, research has increasingly focused on understanding the mechanisms through which physical activity and exercise programs influence various health outcomes. This Special Issue aims to compile research that examines the effects of physical activity and exercise on individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Contributions may include experimental designs, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and methodological innovations that deepen our understanding of the role of physical activity and exercise in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Ultimately, this Special Issue aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the evidence supporting physical activity and exercise as key strategies for enhancing metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Lucieli Teresa Cambri
Dr. Ana Carolina Ghezzi
Guest Editors

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11 pages, 665 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Combined Training on Visceral Adiposity Index and Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

by Júlia Elena Fontana Ronsani, Mariana Papini Gabiatti, Anne Ribeiro Streb, Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti, Giovani Firpo Del Duca and Fernanda Hansen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091462 - 22 Sep 2025

Abstract

Introduction: The role of obesity in developing metabolic alterations is related to the distribution of adipose tissue, and visceral fat predisposes people to a higher risk than subcutaneous fat. The effect of different forms of periodization of combined training is still unknown in reducing cardiometabolic risk in adults with obesity. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of 16 weeks of periodized combined training with fixed and linear increase intensities on individuals with obesity, using the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and metabolic phenotype. Methods: In total, 59 adults with obesity (61.0% female) were allocated into three groups: control (CG, 34.4 ± 6.9 years; BMI, 33.0 ± 2.5 kg.m⁻²), combined training with fixed intensity (FG, 33.6 ± 8.4 years; BMI, 32.9 ± 2.3 kg.m⁻²), and linear increase intensity (LG, 34.5 ± 6.0 years; BMI, 33.4 ± 2.8 kg.m⁻²) in a 1:1:1 ratio. VAI equations were used with waist circumference, triglycerides, BMI, and HDL-c. The metabolic phenotype was defined by the presence of >3 abnormalities of the following: systolic/diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-c, fasting blood glucose, and waist circumference, classified as metabolically healthy and unhealthy (MHO; MUO). Intra- and intergroup analyses were performed per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) using the Generalized Estimated Equations method. p < 0.10 was the level of significance adopted for interaction, and p < 0.05 was the level of significance for the isolated effect of time and/or group. Results: VAI decreased in FG (p < 0.001) in PP and ITT analyses, but not in LG in either analysis (p > 0.05). There was a higher number of MUO in FG compared to LG, only in PP, considering the effect of group analysis (p < 0.01), but not of time or group * time or ITT analyses (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Combined training with fixed intensity improved VAI but was insufficient to affect metabolic phenotype. These findings suggest minimal differences between fixed intensity and linear increase protocols in reducing the risk of metabolic complications during obesity treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise in People at Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases)

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