The study on the relationship between different exercise modalities and physiological effects

Abstract

This study aimed to systematically review the exercise intensities associated with various physical activities, synthesize the physiological effects induced by different intensity levels, and establish a dose-response reference guide for exercise modalities, thereby providing a foundation for precision-based fitness regimens. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases to identify studies examining the effects of exercise modalities on physiological indicators. The methodological quality of included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane 5.1 handbook criteria. Effect sizes were pooled, and subgroup analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4. Results: A total of 42 RCT studies were included. Lowintensity exercise modalities included ordinary walking, stair climbing, and Pilates. Moderate-intensity exercise modalities included brisk walking, Baduanjin, jogging, square dancing, Tai Chi, swimming, cycling, and dancing. High-intensity exercises included fast walking, fast running, soccer, and yoga. Low-intensity exercises improved HDL-C (d=0.06), resting heart rate (d=-2.98), and diastolic blood pressure (d=-2.93). Moderate- intensity exercises improved TG (d=-0.21), TC (d=-0.32), HDL-C (d=0.09), resting heart rate (d=-4.22), systolic blood pressure (d=-4.92), diastolic blood pressure (d=-3.51), weight (d=-2.46), and vital capacity (d=271.03). High-intensity exercises improved blood glucose (d=-0.18), systolic blood pressure (d=-3.21), and diastolic blood pressure (d=-2.58). Traditional Chinese exercises improved HDL-C (d=0.19), blood glucose (d=-1.49), vital capacity (d=285.09), systolic blood pressure (d=-9.96), and diastolic blood pressure (d=- 5.68). Common exercises improved TG (d=-0.18), TC (d=-0.18), HDL-C (d=0.08), vital capacity (d=223.62), resting heart rate (d=-3.51), systolic blood pressure (d=-4.90), diastolic blood pressure (d=-2.96), weight (d=- 2.04), and BMI (d=-0.74). Conclusion: Moderate-intensity exercises (e.g., brisk walking, jogging, swimming, Tai Chi) yielded more comprehensive physiological improvements compared to other intensities. Traditional Chinese exercises exhibited superior efficacy in optimizing HDL-C, glucose metabolism, respiratory function, and blood pressure regulation.