The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Liver Enzymes in Active and Inactive Women

Abstract

Background: Owing to the decrease in the level of physical activity in today’s world, it seems that weight gain and fat mass are among the most important causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Studies have also reported the beneficial effects of regular and long-term aerobic exercise on disease prevention. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in active and inactive women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental applied study, 40 female students purposefully selected (20 active and 20 inactive) based on availability who were divided into the passive group (n = 10 in the training group and n = 10 in the control group) and the active group (n = 10 in the training group and n = 10 in the control group). Then the training groups performed the selected HIIT for 6 weeks and three sessions per week. The levels of research variables were measured in the serum pretest and post-test. Results: The findings showed HIIT decreased ALT serum levels in the active training group (P = 0.03, MD = 3.50) and inactive training group (P = 0.002, MD = 5.30) compared to the active control group; however, there was no significant difference in terms of AST levels in the research groups (P = 0.46, F = 0.86). Conclusions: It seems that HIIT independently of weight changes and body mass index can decrease ALT in active and inactive women.