The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Liver Enzymes in Active and Inactive Women

Owing to the decrease in the level of physical activity in today’s world, it seems that weight gain and fat mass are among the most important causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Studies have also reported the beneficial effects of regular and long-term aerobic exercise on disease prevention. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in active and inactive women.

In this quasi-experimental applied study, 40 female students purposefully selected (20 active and 20 inactive) based on availability who were divided into the passive group (n = 10 in the training group and n = 10 in the control group) and the active group (n = 10 in the training group and n = 10 in the control group). Then the training groups performed the selected HIIT for 6 weeks and three sessions per week. The levels of research variables were measured in the serum pretest and post-test.

The findings showed HIIT decreased ALT serum levels in the active training group (P = 0.03, MD = 3.50) and inactive training group (P = 0.002, MD = 5.30) compared to the active control group; however, there was no significant difference in terms of AST levels in the research groups (P = 0.46, F = 0.86).

It seems that HIIT independently of weight changes and body mass index can decrease ALT in active and inactive women.