The effect of moderate-intensity continuous training versus high-intensity interval training on the lipocalin 2 levels in obese women

Abstract

Adipose tissue affects the lipid and glucose metabolism by secreting various adipokines such as lipocalin 2. The aim of present study was to compare the effect of 12 weeks’ moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the serum levels of lipocalin 2 in obese women. Thirty-six obese women with average age of 26.3±3.41 years old and body mass index of 31.6±1.27 kg.m2 were assigned to three groups consisting of control, MICT and HIIT groups. Both exercise training program conducted for 12 weeks three sessions per week. The MICT intensity was 60-70 percent of the maximum heart rate and the intensity for HIIT program considered 90 percent of maximum heart rate. Blood samples collected in pre and post-test stages and the levels of desired variables were measured. Data analysis was performed by the analysis of covariance test and Bonferroni post hoc-test (p<0.05). The findings indicated that both MICT and HIIT programs result in significant decrease of lipocalin-2 and insulin resistance (p<0.05). In addition, significant improvement of lipid profile in MICT and HIIT groups were observed and there was no significant difference between the trained groups. According to the findings, it seems that one of the positive effective mechanisms of exercise training is the decrease in lipocalin2 levels with continuous and high intensity interval training.

Keywords

• continuous training
• high intensity interval training
• adipokine
• lipocalin2