Effect of High-intensity Interval Training on Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Young Men

Abstract

Background: The fibroblast growth factor 21 is a protein that is involved in regulating glucose and fat metabolism. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 and insulin resistance in overweight young men. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 30 overweight young men (BMI<25 kg /m2) were purposefully selected and randomly divided to control (n=15) and experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed ten repetitions of one-minute aerobic exercise (treadmill, elliptical trainer, or stationary bike) with an intensity of 80-75% of the target heart rate with one-minute active intermittent rest periods with an intensity of 35-40% of the heart rate for 8 weeks, 4 sessions per week. Fibroblast growth factor 21 and insulin resistance were measured 24 hours before starting the program and 48 hours after the last training session. Intragroup and Intergroup changes were analyzed using dependent and independent t-test, respectively. Results: Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 indicated a significant increase (t=6.94, P= 0.031) compared to that of the control group after 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training, but insulin resistance significantly decreased (t=5.81, P=0.008). Conclusion: High-intensity interval training for 8 weeks can be prescribed as an optimal exercise protocol to increase serum fibroblast growth factor 21 and reduce insulin resistance in overweight young men.