Published in:
01-10-2013 | Original Article
Effects of high vs. moderate exercise intensity during interval training on lipids and adiponectin levels in obese young females
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 10/2013
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Purpose
We investigate the effects of 12-week interval training of moderate- or high-intensity exercise on blood lipids and plasma levels of adiponectin.
Methods
Thirty-four obese adolescent females [age = 15.9 ± 0.3 years; BMI and BMI-Z-score = 30.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2 and 3 ± 0.3, respectively], were randomized to high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 11), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT, n = 11), or a control group (CG, n = 12). Maximal oxygen uptake (\(\mathop V\limits^{.} {\text{O}}_{{2{\text{peak}}}}\)), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), plasma lipids and adiponectin levels were measured in all subjects before and after training.
Results
Following the training program, in both training groups, body mass, BMI-Z-score, and percentage body fat (% BF) decreased, while \(\mathop V\limits^{.} {\text{O}}_{{2{\text{peak}}}}\) and MAS increased. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and adiponectin levels were positively altered (−12.6 and −7.4 %; 6.3 and 8.0 %; 35.8 and 16.2 %; high to moderate training program, respectively). Waist circumference, triglyceride and total cholesterol decreased only in HIIT group (−3.5; −5.3 and −7.0 %, respectively, in all P < 0.05). Significant decrease in the usual index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) occurred in HIIT and MIIT groups (−29.2 ± 5.3 and −18.4 ± 8.6 %, respectively; P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The results show that HIIT positively changes blood lipids and adiponectin variables in obese adolescent girls, resulting in improved insulin sensitivity, as attested by a lower HOMA-IR, and achieving better results compared to moderate-intensity exercise.