Scholarlink

Background <p>The “weekend warrior” (WW) physical activity pattern—characterized by low-frequency, high-intensity exercise concentrated in 1–2 sessions per week—has gained popularity, yet its health implications remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the benefits and risks of the WW pattern compared to regular or inactive PA regimens, focusing on mortality, cardiometabolic and neurological outcomes.</p> Methods <p>Two independent investigators searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from 01/01/1975 to 01/22/2025. Eligible studies compared health outcomes among WW, regularly active (RA), and inactive populations were included. Outcomes included all-cause/cause-specific mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated by either random-effects model or fixed-effects model, depending on heterogeneity.</p> Results <p>Among the 21 included studies (14 cohort, 7 cross-sectional), WW was associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk versus inactive population (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68–0.87, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.0001), comparable to the benefit observed with RA (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.63–0.78, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.00001). WW was also linked to reduced risks of CVD mortality (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66–0.97), cancer mortality (HR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77–0.95), and incident CVD (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64–0.82) when compared with inactivity. Notably, WW conferred greater neuroprotective effects than RA (HR = 0.71 vs. 0.76; <i>P</i> &lt; 0.00001), with a substantial risk reduction compared with inactivity (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65–0.77). Risk of metabolic disease in WW showed a modest decrease (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65–0.88, <i>P</i> = 0.0004), although no significant improvements were observed in individual metabolic indices.</p> Conclusion <p>Compared with inactivity, the WW pattern offers mortality and cardiometabolic benefits comparable to regular activity, along with uniquely enhanced neuroprotective effects, supporting its viability for time-constrained individuals.</p> Trial registration <p>PROSPERO: CRD42024583406.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The weekend warrior phenomenon: comparable mortality reduction to regular exercise with enhanced neuroprotective effects—a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月10日

查看全文
  • Xiaoyue Zhang,
  • Peiyuan Tang,
  • Ying Zhu,
  • Han Tan,
  • Haoxuan Li,
  • Wenfeng Xiao,
  • Ting Wen,
  • Yusheng Li,
  • Yaping Wang,
  • Shiyao Chu,
  • Bangbao Lu

摘要

Background

The “weekend warrior” (WW) physical activity pattern—characterized by low-frequency, high-intensity exercise concentrated in 1–2 sessions per week—has gained popularity, yet its health implications remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the benefits and risks of the WW pattern compared to regular or inactive PA regimens, focusing on mortality, cardiometabolic and neurological outcomes.

Methods

Two independent investigators searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from 01/01/1975 to 01/22/2025. Eligible studies compared health outcomes among WW, regularly active (RA), and inactive populations were included. Outcomes included all-cause/cause-specific mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated by either random-effects model or fixed-effects model, depending on heterogeneity.

Results

Among the 21 included studies (14 cohort, 7 cross-sectional), WW was associated with reduced all-cause mortality risk versus inactive population (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68–0.87, P < 0.0001), comparable to the benefit observed with RA (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.63–0.78, P < 0.00001). WW was also linked to reduced risks of CVD mortality (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66–0.97), cancer mortality (HR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77–0.95), and incident CVD (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64–0.82) when compared with inactivity. Notably, WW conferred greater neuroprotective effects than RA (HR = 0.71 vs. 0.76; P < 0.00001), with a substantial risk reduction compared with inactivity (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65–0.77). Risk of metabolic disease in WW showed a modest decrease (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65–0.88, P = 0.0004), although no significant improvements were observed in individual metabolic indices.

Conclusion

Compared with inactivity, the WW pattern offers mortality and cardiometabolic benefits comparable to regular activity, along with uniquely enhanced neuroprotective effects, supporting its viability for time-constrained individuals.

Trial registration

PROSPERO: CRD42024583406.