Exercise training is known as an effective method in the prevention and control of metabolic syndrome, as it can improve metabolic function and reduce associated risk factors, which increases cardiovascular health and quality of life. Metabolic syndrome includes a set of disorders such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and sugar disorders, which are largely managed with regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of exercise in cold and warm water on the response of hormones affecting fat metabolism in men with metabolic syndrome.
The study was conducted experimentally on 30 men with no history of regular physical activity in Urmia. Participants were randomly divided into three groups of 10, including exercise in cold water, in warm water, and control, based on the zMets index. Each exercise session lasted 45 minutes. 5 ml of blood was taken from the arm and measured with laboratory kits. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05.
The results showed that the levels of adropin, adiponectin, and cortisol in both cold and warm water training groups increased significantly compared to the control, especially in cold water group (P<0.05). Tukey's test showed that there was a significant difference between the cold and warm water training groups and the control in all variables except cortisol (P<0.05).
The results of this study showed that cold water training can be used as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve hormones related to fat metabolism in people with metabolic syndrome.