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

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 38; no. 14; pp. 1635 - 1649
• Main Authors: MacKenzie-Shalders, Kristen, Kelly, Jaimon T., So, Daniel, Coffey, Vernon G., Byrne, Nuala M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Routledge 17.07.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Body composition; Calorimetry; Exercise; Measurement; Menopause; Meta-analysis; Metabolic rate; Metabolism; nutrition; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Physical training; physiology; Post-menopause; Reviews; Systematic review; Measurement; physiology; exercise; nutrition; metabolism
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1754716

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.