# Low-cost bodyweight callisthenic-based HIIT improves blood pressure, glucose control, and TyG in older adults with metabolic syndrome

## TL;DR

A low-cost, bodyweight-based HIIT program improves blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic health in older adults with metabolic syndrome.

## Contribution

A low-cost, bodyweight-based HIIT protocol is proposed and shown to be effective for metabolic syndrome in older adults.

## Key findings

- HIIT improved VO2max by ~20% and reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and TyG index decreased significantly in the HIIT group.
- The protocol is effective for improving cardiometabolic health in elderly with metabolic syndrome.

## Abstract

Lack of time is the main barrier to physical exercise routines. This study evaluated the impact of whole-body, low-cost, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using bodyweight exercises on old subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Forty participants (mean age: 72.4 ± 5.9 years; 36 women) with MetS admitted to a public health service center were randomized into control and HIIT groups. The 40-min HIIT protocol consisted of 60-s exercises at 75%–85% maximum heart rate monitored by finger oximeter, followed by 120 s of passive rest, performed three times weekly for eight weeks. We assessed exercise capacity (VO2max), blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index at baseline, four and eight weeks after exercise. The TyG index was used as a biomarker for insulin resistance and cardiometabolic health, and the MetS-Z to Metabolic Syndrome to severity of this condition.

HIIT improved VO2max (∼20%), reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose (−32%), HbA1c (−35%), triglycerides (−39%), and TyG index (−12%) compared to controls.

The low-cost bodyweight HIIT protocol is an easy and effective strategy for improving cardiometabolic health in the elderly with MetS. Our results highlight the importance of introducing this approach into public health programs, particularly in resource-limited settings, to manage metabolic disorders and promote healthy aging.