None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate whether a supervised, online, home-based eccentric resistance exercise program can reduce liver fat and improve liver health in adults with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Participants will complete five supervised exercise sessions each week for eight weeks, delivered live through Google Meet. Liver fat, liver stiffness, liver enzymes, metabolic markers, and physical fitness will be measured before and after the program. We hypothesise that this home-based eccentric exercise program will be safe, feasible, and effective in reducing liver fat and improving MASLD-related health outcomes.
Interventions
Intervention name:
Supervised online home-based eccentric resistance exercise program.
Description of materials and procedures:
Participants completed an 8-week bodyweight eccentric resistance exercise program delivered live via Google Meet. No equipment was required except a chair and stable surfaces. Exercises included squats, calf raises, wall push-ups, and core activities, each performed with slow eccentric control. The exercise intensity was low-to-moderate. RPE scale of 1-10 was used to a
Intervention name: Supervised online home-based eccentric resistance exercise program. Description of materials and procedures: Participants completed an 8-week bodyweight eccentric resistance exercise program delivered live via Google Meet. No equipment was required except a chair and stable surfaces. Exercises included squats, calf raises, wall push-ups, and core activities, each performed with slow eccentric control. The exercise intensity was low-to-moderate. RPE scale of 1-10 was used to assess the intensity of the exercises. Provider: Delivered one-on-one by the study investigator and an accredited exercise physiologist experienced in exercise for liver disease. Mode of delivery: Live online supervision via Google Meet; participants exercised in their homes. Schedule and dose: 5 sessions per week for 8 weeks (40 sessions total). Each session lasted 30–40 minutes, including warm-up, ~25 minutes of eccentric resistance training, and cool-down. Progression in repetitions, tempo, and exercise difficulty occurred as tolerated. Week 1: 1 set of 5. Week 2: 2 sets of 5. Weeks 3 and 4: 1 set of 10. Weeks 5 and 6: 2 sets of 10. Weeks 7 and 8: 3 sets of 10. Location: Participant homes (online delivery). Group allocation (non-randomised design) This study employed a non-randomised design. Group allocation was determined by participant availability and willingness to undertake the supervised exercise intervention during the study period. Participants who were able and willing to commit to the online exercise schedule were allocated to the exercise group, while those who were unable to participate due to time constraints or personal reasons were allocated to the control group. No allocation was influenced by clinician discretion or participant health status. Personalisation: Exercises were adapted to individual ability, fatigue, and technique. Progression was introduced when safe and appropriate. Adherence and fidelity: All sessions were supervised in real time to ensure technique and safety. Adherence was tracked through attendance logs. Completers achieved 100% adherence (9/10 participants completed the program).
Sponsors
Edith Cowan University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
• Adults aged above 18 years • Diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) • Hepatic steatosis confirmed on FibroScan (CAP greater than or equal to 275 dB/m) • Attending hepatology outpatient clinic at a tertiary Australian hospital • Identified by hepatologist during routine clinical assessment • Able to participate in supervised online exercise sessions from home • Access to a device with internet capability for Google Meet • Medically cleared to exercise • Willing to participate for 8 weeks and complete assessments
Exclusion criteria
• Other liver diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis, viral hepatitis, or significant alcohol consumption • Evidence of hepatic decompensation (hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, or esophageal varices) • Previous or planned bariatric surgery • Use of weight-loss medications • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) • Participation in structured aerobic or resistance exercise within the past 6 months • Any medical condition deemed unsafe for exercise by the treating hepatologist
Outcome results
None listed