Effects of 8 weeks of high intensity interval and moderate intensity continuous training on serum ICAM-1, CRP and cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-agedmen

Intracellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM-1) is more precise than other inflammatory indices e.g. C reactive protein (CRP) in predicting the future cardiovascular diseases. However, the roles of different types of exercise training on serum ICAM-1 level and also body inflammatory and metabolic states are not fully elucidated in patient with metabolic syndrome (Mets). Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of high intensity interval and moderate intensity continuous training on serum ICAM-1, CRP and cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-aged men. thirty-four male patient with Mets were randomly divided into three groups including high intensity interval training (n=12), moderate-intensity continuous training (n=12) and Control (n=10). The fasting blood sampling and some other variable measurements were measured at baseline and also after (at 9 am) eight weeks of continuous (at 60-70% of RHR) and interval l (at 70-75% of RHR) training protocols (3 running sessions/week). Blood glucose and lipids were measured using ParsAzmoon company enzymatic kits and serum ICAM-1 and CRP levels also detected with Cusabio company ELIZA kits. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and paired samples T tests at 95% Statistical significance level. Both the continuous and interval training protocols decreased blood ICAM-1 (p=0.001, p=0.02), CRP (p=0.001, p=0.02), triglyceride (p=0.001, p=0.001), fasting blood sugar (p=0.001, p=0.001), waist circumference (p=0.001, p=0.04), overall Mets z score (p=0.001, p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (p=0.03, p=0.008) respectively, while HDL was significantly increased (p=0.001, p=0.01). However, with regard to HDL (p=0.005), waist circumference (p=0.001) and Mets Z score (p=0.001), moderate-intensity continuous training showed significantly more effectiveness than high intensity interval training.  In spite of the equal effectiveness of both training protocols upon serum ICAM-1 and CRP, continuous training had more pronounced effects on waist circumference, blood HDL and overall severity of Mets which makes this protocol a better candidate to be prescribed for patients with Mets.