The Effect of Two Types of High-Intensity Interval Training on Serum Value of GH and IGF-1 in Overweight Nurses

Abstract

Background: Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 are anabolic hormones that play a vital role in the growth of various physical organs. Exercise is one of the stimuli that affect GH and IGF-1 secretion. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of two types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma levels of GH and IGF-l in overweight nurses. Methods: In this study, 27 nurses were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to three groups (9 participants for each group): 1. HIIT (type 1), including eight seconds of spring running and 12 seconds of active recovery, 2. HIIT (type 2), including a 40-meter shuttle run with maximum speed, 3. control. HIIT (type 1) was performed for four weeks, three sessions per week, each session 6 - 9 min with more than 90% HRmax. HIIT (type 2) was applied for four weeks, three sessions per week, with more than 90% HRmax. The control group did not participate in any training protocol. The serum value of GH and IGF-1 were compared in three groups. The data were analyzed by the dependent t-test and ANOVA. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the intergroup data at P ⟨ 0.05. Results: The results showed that HIIT (type 1) and (type 2) significantly increased plasma GH (P = 0.032 in group 2 and P = 0.010 in group 1) and IGF-l (P = 0.004 in group 2 and P = 10.013 in group 1) levels in nurses. The results showed a significant difference in the variables (GH and IGF-l) among HIIT (type 1), HIIT (type 2), and control groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that four weeks of adverse intermittent exercises are effective in increasing the concentration of GH and IGF-1 serum and decreased percentage body fat in young nurses with overweight, and proportional to the intensity of the exercise protocol response rate is different.