The effect of 6 weeks interval training with 90% vVO2max on atherogenic index, insulin resistance and beta-cell function in overweight men

  High-intensity interval training (HIIT), compared with continuous training, can result in relatively more improvement in max exercise capacity, mitochondrial enzymes, and other cellular factors involved in energy metabolism. So the present study was aimed to examine the effect of six weeks of HIIT on the insulin resistance index, HOMA-beta cell, and atherogenic index among overweight men. The participants included 24 overweight men that classified into interval training and control groups. The participants became familiar with the laboratory environment in several sessions, and blood sampling along with the measurement of height, weight, body composition, and maximal oxygen consumption was performed. Fasting blood samples were collected from the participants’ brachial artery in order to measure their glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL before HIIT and 48 hours after training. The results indicated significant changes in insulin, insulin resistance, and beta cell function index, however, glucose, lipid profile, and atherogenic index did not show any significant changes. Although the HIIT exercises are performed during a short period of time, they feature the same beneficial effects as those of aerobic exercises and other forms of training that take relatively longer time. It could, therefore, be said that such exercises could help inactive and overweight people to improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diseases related to lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and high fat percentage. Therefore, it is suggested that overweight people, and even healthy people, benefit from this type of training