Effects of evening exercise on anthropometric indices, metabolic profiles, and sleep health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
摘要
Evening exercise may elevate arousal levels and enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially influencing sleep hygiene and metabolic profiles. To gain a clearer understanding of these effects, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare the impact of morning versus evening exercise on anthropometric indices, metabolic markers, and sleep health.
MethodsA systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted from inception through March 2023. Exercise is defined as physical activity performed at a minimum of moderate intensity. For the outcomes of interest, mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model.
ResultsA total of 716 participants were included across 14 studies, comprising both randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Of these, 11 studies reported anthropometric indices, 8 reported metabolic profiles, and 5 evaluated sleep parameters. No significant associations were observed between exercise timing and the health outcomes assessed. Specifically, there were no notable differences in body weight (MD:-0.12 kg [95% CI -0.99 to 0.76, I2= 99%]) or body mass index (MD: -0.07 kg/m2 [95% CI -0.58 to 0.44, I2 = 99%]) between morning and evening exercise sessions. Sleep latency was also unaffected by exercise timing (MD: -2.24 minutes [95% CI-10.22 to 5.74, I2 = 99%]). Additionally, metabolic biomarkers, including low-density lipoprotein (MD: 0.11 mmol/L [95% CI -0.37 to 0.58, I2= 100%]), and high-density lipoprotein (MD: 0.09 mmol/L [95% CI -0.05 to 0.22, I2 = 99%]), showed no significant differences based on exercise timing.
ConclusionThis meta-analysis found no significant association between the timing of exercise and health outcomes, including anthropometric measurements, metabolic markers, and sleep parameters. While the findings are hypothesis-generating, they suggest that the timing of exercise may not substantially influence patient health outcomes and should be considered flexibly in clinical recommendations.