A new analysis published in the journal iScience pooled data from 53 randomized controlled trials and nearly 3,000 participants to compare how ten different types of exercise affect the markers that make up metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol. The researchers found no single exercise type improved every marker. Combined aerobic and resistance training ranked highest for lowering BMI, waist size, LDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose. High-intensity interval training was most effective for reducing body fat, while traditional Chinese exercises such as tai chi and qigong ranked best for raising HDL cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. The authors said the findings could help people and their doctors match a workout to specific health goals, though they noted the certainty of evidence varied from low to moderate.