A Comparison of the Effect of One Session of Continuous and High Intensity Intermittent Training on TNF-α and VEGF Levels of Soleus Tissue in Obese Rats

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of one session of continuous and high intensity intermittent training on TNF-α and VEGF levels of soleus tissue in obese rats. 45 rats (8 weeks old) were fed a high fat diet for 8 weeks. Then, 27 rats (BMI more than 0.68 gr/cm2 and weight: 320±10 gr) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, continuous and high intensity intermittent training. Intermittent and continuous groups were familiarized with the study and their VO2max was determined for 2 weeks; then, they ran respectively with an intensity of 100% vVO2max and 65% vVO2max and the running time was calculated based on distance in the intermittent training group. Control group did not participate in any programs. Animals were dissected immediately and their soleus muscle was removed. The normality of the data was determined and one-way ANOVA was used (P≤0.05). Only the intermittent training group significantly decreased VEGF levels in comparison with the control group (P=0.001) and the continuous group (P=0.003). But TNF-α levels were not significantly different in all 3 groups. Contrary to previous speculations, high intensity intermittent training did not ascend inflammation. There is a doubt about the concern for intermittent training and inflammation increase and also VEGF levels decrease in the intermittent group in obese people which requires more research in this field.