Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations

The effect of aerobic exercise on plasma levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 and insulin resistance in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders: A Meta-Analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanities, University of

2 Department of Sports Sciences,University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran.

Abstract

Objectives and Study Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone with anti-inflammatory effects that plays an important role in glucose regulation and insulin resistance. It has been identified as a marker of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and is strongly associated with physical activity levels. This meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on plasma levels of FGF21 and insulin resistance in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders.

Review Methods and Data Sources:Relevant English-language articles were searched from various databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Persian-language articles using Google Scholar, Irandon, Magiran, Noor Mags and SID search engines until 15 Farvardinmah 1404 (21 April 2025). To determine the effect size, the weighted mean difference SMD and 95% confidence interval were calculated using CMA2 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test and publication bias was assessed using visual funnel plot analysis and the Egger test.

Findings:A total of 17 studies with 20 aerobic exercise interventions involving on 464 subjects with metabolic disorders were meta-analyzed. The results showed that aerobic exercise intervention in subjects with metabolic disorders significantly increased plasma levels of FGF21 by a weighted mean difference of 0.391 pg/mL P=0.001, and significantly decreased insulin resistance by a weighted mean difference of -0.845 mg/dL P=0.001, compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that aerobic exercise may play a key role in improving the health of people with cardiometabolic disorders by increasing the hormone FGF21 and simultaneously reducing insulin resistance.

Keywords

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Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations
Volume 2, Issue 3
September 2026
Pages 1-20