Statin Use Improves Cardiometabolic Protection Promoted By Physical Training in an Aquatic Environment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Statin use is highlighted as the most commonly utilized therapy for the treatment of dyslipidemias and can be considered as the most efficient pharmacological intervention for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. On the other hand, physical training can be considered an efficient and safe non-pharmacological strategy to promote improvements in lipid profile. However, the influence of statins on lipid adaptations arising from water-based training in populations with dyslipidemia is not known. Objectives: To analyze the influence of simvastatin use on lipid adaptations arising from water-based aerobics and resistance training in elderly women with dyslipidemia. Methods: Sixty-nine elderly (66.13 +/- 5.13 years), sedentary, and dyslipidemic women, both non-users and users of simvastatin (20 mg and 40 mg), were randomized into the following 3 groups: water-based aerobic training (WA), water-based resistance training (WR), and control group (CG). Total duration of interventions, for all experimental groups consisted of 10 weeks, with 2 weekly sessions. Biochemical analyses were performed before the beginning of the interventions and repeated after the end of the trial. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare these data, setting alpha = 0.05. Results: In intention-to-treat analysis, the medicated participants obtained a greater magnitude of decrease in total cholesterol (TC) (-3.41 to - 25.89 mg.dl(-1); p = 0.038), LDL (-5.58 to -25.18 mg.dl(-1); p = 0.007) and TC/HDL ratio (-0.37 to - 0.61; p = 0.022) when compared to the non-medicated participants, and this decrease was statistically significant only in the WR group. Conclusions: Statin use enhances the adaptations promoted by water-based physical training in CT, LDL levels, and CT/HDL ratio, and it is more pronounced after WR.

Automated summary

This study examined the impact of simvastatin on lipid adaptations in elderly women with dyslipidemia undergoing water-based aerobics and resistance training. The results showed that participants on medication experienced greater decreases in total cholesterol, LDL, and TC/HDL ratio, with significant reductions observed in the resistance training group.