The comparative effects of moderate intensity exercise and Qigong on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and endothelial function in metabolic syndrome

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of moderate intensity exercise and Qigong on level of lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and endothelial function which measured by forearm blood flow in people with metabolic syndrome. Eighty three female participants with metabolic syndrome, age between 40-65 years lived in Bangkok and perimeter were randomly assigned to three groups including 1) moderate intensity exercise (MIE) group (n=28), 2) Qigong group (n=28), and 3) control group with usual activity and health education (n=27). The training group performed training 60 minutes per day, 4 days per week last for 12 week. Data were collected before, 4 week, 8 week, and 12 week after program initiation by measuring the level of Lp-PLA2 and forearm blood flow. Repeated measured ANOVA were used to test the program efficacy. The results revealed that the two exercise groups had statistically significant reduced the level of Lp-PLA2 compared with control group at 12th week (157.53±26.67, 167.25±20.37, and 191.39±50.23 µg/L in MIE, Qigong, and control group respectively). Moreover, the data showed the statistically significant increased forearm blood flow at 8th week compared to the control group as 786.57±155.58, 951.16±144.19, and 630.97±193.24 ml/100 ml tissue in MIE, Qigong, and control group respectively. Also in the 12th week, there was significantly increased the forearm blood flow as 846.47±164.14, 1092.07±172.79, and 638.61±203.81 ml/100 ml tissue in MIE, Qigong, and control group respectively. The findings indicated that after performing the two training program for 12 week, it can reduce the level of Lp-PLA2 and increased endothelial function. Therefore, Qigong is a beneficial program for people with metabolic syndrome since it easy to perform and also benefit to general physical activity that advised for people with metabolic syndrome.