Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Effects of prolonged exercise versus multiple short exercise sessions on risk for metabolic  
syndrome and atherogenic index in middle -aged obes e women: A randomised controlled trial  
 
Version: 2 Date: 19 Apr 2017  
 
Reviewer: Martin Sénéchal  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
Reviewer's comments:  
 
The rational for using adiposity as a primary outcome for sample size calculation must be in the 
manuscript as it is unorthodox to use a d ifferent outcome then the one used for sample size 
calculation.  
 
 
Furthermore, why 30% body fat and higher was selected. I am sure a reference can be used to 
justify such a decision.  
 
 
Based on the metabolic syndrome definition and all the polemic and deba te about the weight of 
each component, it would have made more sense to use insulin resistance for the sample 
calculation, which is known to have more weight compared to the other criteria  
 
 
Wen the author says: "along with a calorie -restricted diet involvi ng a calorie deficit" Please 
reword to keep only "caloric -restricted diet". This imply "caloric deficit" Delete "caloric deficit" 
and make it consistent throughout the manuscript.  
 
 
I believe the authors need to add the nutritional information since there w as a caloric restriction 
involved, and they have the data. I would suggest adding only kcal, fat, protein and 
carbohydrates. That would strengthen the paper and allow the readers to have a better picture of 
what happened during the intervention.  
 
 
Furthermo re, if the author could add some information about how they control and/or quantify 
the caloric restriction that would enhance this manuscript. So far, the authors provide us with 
rational on the caloric restriction, but not on the method to quantify, cont rol and ensure they were 
doing caloric deficit prescription.  
 
 
This study is an exercise trial, which means that it should be reported according to the 
CONSORT. One issue with a small trial is the significant variability. In fact, using mean and SD 
might be inappropriate, with such trial. With respect to the CONSORT, the author needs to 
report 95%CI to at least giving us a better understanding of the variability happening in this trial. 
I asked the author during the previous revision to follow the CONSORT, but they only addressed 
what I stated as examples.  
 
 
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript o r would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written Englis h 
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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