The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Circulating Adiponectin Levels in Individuals With and Without Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Adiponectin is one of the most well-known adipokines with anti-inflammatory effects that plays an important role in regulating the whole-body metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on the circulating levels of adiponectin in individuals with and without metabolic disorders.

A systematic search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Academic Jihad Center and Magiran using the keywords "HIIT" and "adiponectin" to identify Persian and English languages published articles until October 2022. Effect size (SMD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated using CMA2 software. I2 test for calculation of the heterogeneity and visual interpretation of funnel plot test and Egger test for assessment of the publication bias were used.

Data analysis of 28 interventions (24 studies) showed that HIIT resulted in a significant increase in adiponectin [0.40 CI: 0.12 to 0.68), P=0.004]. Also, the data analysis of eight interventions showed that HIIT led to a non-significant increase in adiponectin compared to the MICT [0.41 CI: -0.04 to 0.86), P=0.07].

The findings of the present study showed that HIIT is a suitable and efficient training method to increase adiponectin, especially in people with metabolic disorders.