Effects of interval exercise in the improvement of glycemic control of obese adults with insulin resistance

Background: physical exercise presents evidence for the treatment of insulin resistance. However, it is necessary to deepen this knowledge. Objective: to compare the effectiveness of a high intensity interval training program (HIIT) with one of resistance training (RT) to improve biochemical parameters of insulin/basal glycemia and post-load. Material and methods: twenty-eight (36 +/- 13 years old) non-medicated insulin-resistant individuals (age 36 +/- 13 years) were studied. Two groups were randomly formed: RT group (n = 14) and HIIT group (n = 14). Each group participated in 12 weeks of intervention (three sessions/week). Both groups were homogeneous (p > 0.05) in terms of age, weight, height and BMI. Basal glycemia/insulinemia and post-load were evaluated, pre and post intervention. Results: after the intervention there were significant decreases in both groups in: fat (%) HIIT (Pre = 40.20 +/- 7.31 vs Post = 36.49 +/- 7.28%, p = 0.006), RT (Pre: 39.04 +/- 8.52 vs Post: 34.91 +/- 8.80%, p = 0.002); fasting insulin, HIIT (Pre: 20.64 +/- 9.44 vs. Post: 15.20 +/- 6.47uIU/ml, p = 0.0006), RT (Pre: 18.50 +/- 8.24, vs Post: 13.59 +/- 6.11 uIU/ml, p = 0.015); insulin post load, HIIT (Pre: 127.57 +/- 71.73 vs Post: 69.25 +/- 39.42 uIU/ml, p < 0.0001), RT (Pre: 125.78 +/- 59.85 vs Post: 63.45 +/- 36.44uIU/ml, p < 0.0001); and fasting glycemia, HIIT (Pre: 92.86 +/- 11.39 vs Post: 87.36 +/- 8.00, p = 0.031), RT (Pre: 90.79 +/- 11.26 vs Post: 85.26 +/- 7.88 mg/dl, p = 0.045). In relation to post-load glycemia only the HIIT group decreased significantly (Pre: 128.57 +/- 26.90 vs Post: 103.47 +/- 12.70 mg/dl, p < 0.001), reporting differences with the RT group (p < 0.042). Conclusion: both programs showed similar results for the treatment of insulin resistance.