The effect of continuous training on plasma levels of adipolin, insulin sensitivity and body fat percent in overweight and obese women

Adipolin is an anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitive adipocytokine that can be considered as modulating glucose intolerance and also insulin resistance. It is secreted from white adipose tissue and its level can decrease in obese and diabetes people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of continuous training with 45-60% maximum heart rate on plasma levels of adipolin, insulin sensitivity, and body fat percent in overweight and obese women.

In this semi experimental study, 30 overweight and obese women were selected and randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed running protocol at an intensity of 45-60% maximum heart rate for 30 minutes. The exercise started with a 45% maximum heart rate in the first session, while the intensity was gradually added about 5% every week, based on the subject’s physical fitness level. Further, it was maintained up to the end of the program when the subjects reached their 60% maximum heart rate. The blood sample was measured after 12 hours of fasting in pre and post-test phases to measure the variables. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was done while intra–inter group changes were identified by paired t and independent t-tests respectively, at the significance level of p<0.05.

After eight weeks of continuous training with light to moderate intensity, plasma adipolin levels (p<0.001) and insulin sensitivity (p<0.001) increased significantly as compared to pre-workout while body fat percentage was significantly decreased (p<0.0001). The comparison between the groups showed that plasma adipolin levels (p<0.001) and insulin sensitivity (p<0.001) significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group, that the body fat percentage also indicated a significantly (p<0.001) decrease.

Based on the results of this study, light to moderate intensity continuous training can be considered in some disorders associated with overweight and obesity, by increasing adipolin, insulin sensitivity, and reducing body fat percentage.