Effects of Supramaximal Intensity Interval Training on Resistin and Cardiometabolic Health Indices in Overweight Nonpostmenopausal Women

Background: Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces various bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including resistin, which is be highly expressed in people with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of supramaximal high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on serum levels of resistin and various cardiometabolic health indices, were investigated. Hypothesis: Supramaximal and moderate interval training induce comparable effects on serum resistin levels and cardiometabolic health indices. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: Thirty overweight adult women were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 100%-110% maximal aerobic speed [MAS] followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), MIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 70%-80% MAS followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), or a control group. Results: Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the control group compared with both the HIIT and MIIT groups (P = .02 and .01, respectively). High-density lipoprotein levels were also elevated significantly in the experimental groups compared with the control group (P = .04 and .03, respectively). Serum resistin increased significantly from pretest levels in the control group (P < .01). Between-group comparisons showed that resistin levels were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental groups (P < .01 and .01, respectively). Conclusion: Six weeks of HIIT can reduce resistin levels and improve cardiometabolic health indicators in nonpostmenopausal women. Although 6 weeks of MIIT does not reduce resistin, it does decrease systolic blood pressure and obesity-related factors in nonmenopausal women. Clinical Relevance: Supramaximal interval training may be recommended to control bioactive molecules produced from adipose tissue that are linked to CVD.