Effect of resistance training intensity on serum Irisin levels and lipid profile in sedentary elderly women

Skeletal muscles as an Irisin producing site can affect fat metabolism and energy expenditure. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of resistance training intensity on serum levels of Irisin and lipid profile in sedentary elderly women.

Twenty eight sedentary elderly women in the current study were randomly divided into three groups as control, high (80% one-repetition maximum) and low (40% one-repetition maximum) intensity resistance training groups. Resistance trainings were performed 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the study following 12 hour fasting to measure serum levels of Irisin and lipid profile. Dependent variables were measured by sandwich ELISA and photometric methods. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance at the significant level of p < 0.05.

The results showed significantly increase on serum Irisin in both high (p=0.02) and low-intensity (p=0.02) resistance training groups than control group. In addition, body fat percent (p=0.002 & p=0.001 respectively) and serum total cholesterol (p=0.01 & p=0.03 respectively) were significantly reduced after high or low-intensity resistance trainings than control group.

Totally, the performing of low- and high-intensity resistance trainings can suggested for older women because of their positive effects on improving Irisin, body fat percent and lipid profile.