The effect of exercise interventions on resting metabolic rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of aerobic, resistance and combined exercise on RMR (kCal·day^-1) and performed a methodological assessment of indirect calorimetry protocols within the included studies. Subgroup analyses included energy/diet restriction and body composition changes. Randomized control trials (RCTs), quasi – RCTs and cohort trials featuring a physical activity intervention of any form and duration excluding single exercise bouts were included. Participant exclusions included medical conditions impacting upon RMR, the elderly (≥65 years of age) or pregnant, lactating or post-menopausal women. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD 42,017,058,503). 1669 articles were identified; 22 were included in the qualitative analysis and 18 were meta-analysed. Exercise interventions (aerobic and resistance exercise combined) did not increase resting metabolic rate (mean difference (MD): 74.6 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: −13.01, 161.33], P = 0.10). While there was no effect of aerobic exercise on RMR (MD: 81.65 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: −57.81, 221.10], P = 0.25), resistance exercise increased RMR compared to controls (MD: 96.17 kCal·day^-1[95% CI: 45.17, 147.16], P = 0.0002). This systematic review effectively synthesises the effect of exercise interventions on RMR in comparison to controls; despite heterogenous methodologies and high risk of bias within included studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Measurement
• metabolism
• nutrition
• physiology
• exercise

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contribution of the Bond University Faculty Librarian, David Honeyman, for assisting with the development and refinement of the search strategy. David Honeyman has provided permission for this acknowledgement.

Authors’ Contribution

KMS, NB and VC contributed to the study design concept and protocol. KMS, DS and JK contributed to the initial and updated literature search and screening, data extraction and risk of bias. KMS drafted the manuscript with contribution from DS and JK. All authors performed critical analysis and revision of manuscript and approved the final version.

Disclosure statement

Authors K. MacKenzie-Shalders, J.T. Kelly, D, so, V.G, Coffey & N.M. Byrne declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary data for this article can be accessed here

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge no direct funding sources for the study.