Effect of Strength Training on CRP, TNF-α, Muscular Strength, and Cardio -Respiratory Function in Inactive Adolescent Girls

Protective role of regular physical exercise against chronic metabolic and cardio-respiratory diseases has been attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects. Effect of strength training on adolescents’ inflammatory markers has less been studied. The purpose of this study was to survey the effect of strength training on CRP، TNF-α، muscular strength، and cardio -respiratory function in inactive adolescent girls. In a randomized controlled trial، twenty four inactive adolescent girls were randomly assigned to two training (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. General characteristics of subjects and serum levels of inflammatory markers C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed before and after fourth and eighth weeks of training period. Strength training protocol was included eight weeks weight training. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA test. The ANOVA test was not statistically significant for body weight (p=0. 089)، body mass index (p=0. 093)، body fat percent (p=0. 142)، and serum concentrations of CRP (p=0. 154) and TNF-α (p=0. 287) and the values of these variables did not change after the training. Within-subject، between-subject، and interaction effects for chest press (p=0. 047، p=0. 023، p=0. 016، respectively)، semi-squat (p=0. 011، p=0. 037، p=0. 049، respectively)، and maximal oxygen uptake (p=0. 030، p=0. 031، p=0. 042، respectively) were statistically significant and the values of these variables were increased at the end of the fourth week، and more، eighth week of training period. Circulating levels of inflammatory markers didn’t change following strength training (four- and eight-week) in inactive adolescent girls; probably due to lack of impact on body weight and body fat percent. However، the implementation of strength training to improve muscle strength and cardio-respiratory function is recommended for these patients.