The effect of combined training (aerobic interval and resistive) with two intensity on FGF-21, liver enzymes, insulin resistance and body composition in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which the accumulation of fat in the liver increases. Exercise training can improve the condition by preventing excessive accumulation of fat in the liver as a non-pharmacological intervention and preventing the progression of the disease to chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of combined exercises training with two intensities on FGF-21, insulin resistance, liver enzymes and body composition of women with fatty liver.

33 women with NAFLD with a mean age of 57.7 ± 45.43 years and a body mass index of 84.32 6 6 kg/m2 randomly divided into three equal groups; aerobic interval training (AIT); high intensity interval training (HIIT); and controls. The training program was performed for 12 weeks and 3 sessions per week. The variables were measured before and after the training program. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures (p< 0.05).

The results showed that HOMA-IR index and serum FGF-21 were significantly reduced in the combined training groups compared to the control (p<0.05). No significant effect or difference was observed in ALT and AST enzyme levels. Also, a significant decrease in body fat percentage was observed (p<0.05).

It seems that women with NAFLD are likely to be able to use both combined resistance training intensity and moderate to severe interval as a non-pharmacological solution to reduce fat percentage and improve insulin and FGF-21 resistance.