The effect of high intensity interval training on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21, liver enzymes, lipid profile and insulin resistance in women with fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver inflammation caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver tissue. This condition could impair the normal functioning of liver tissue, such as liver failure or cirrhosis. Exercise and physical activity can potentially be considered as an effective method in reducing liver fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-21, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lipid profile and insulin resistance in women with fatty liver.

In this quasi-experimental study, 28 women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease participated as an available sample and randomly divided into two groups of control (n=14) and exercise (n=14). HIIT program were performed for eight weeks, three times a week and each session was conducted for 60 minutes. Dependent variables were done 72 hours before the first and after the last training session. Data were analyzed by paired and independent t-tests at the significant level of p<0.05.

After eight weeks of HIIT, fibroblast growth factor-21 (p=0.03) and high density lipoprotein cholestrol (p=0.01) significantly increased. On the other hand, aspartate amino transferase (p=0.04), alanine amino transferase (p=0.03), low density lipoprotein cholestrol (p=0.01) and triglyceride (p=0.005) significantly decreased while insulin resistance remained unchanged (p=0.24).

By performing HIIT, it can be expected that the risk factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease could be improve.