Comparing a selected continuous versus interval aerobic exercise program on progranulin and BMI of overweight/fat female students

This study aimed to investigate the impact of two different aerobic exercise programs on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and progranulin (PGRN) levels of overweight or obese female students. In this quasi-experimental study, 36 overweight or obese female students from Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University volunteered to participate. They were randomly divided into three groups: two groups underwent progressively increasing interval or continuous aerobic exercise programs, while the third group served as a control. The exercise programs lasted for 8 consecutive weeks, with blood samples collected before and after the intervention. Progranulin levels were measured using the ELISA technique with Human PGRN, and BMI was assessed at the beginning and end of the program. The results of a one-way ANOVA test showed a significant decrease in progranulin levels (P=0.00) and BMI in both exercise groups compared to the control group (P=0.029). Both interval and continuous aerobic exercise programs were effective in reducing circulating progranulin levels and BMI in overweight or obese female college students. The exercise interventions led to a significant decrease in both variables. Further research is warranted to explore the effects of different aerobic exercise protocols on BMI and progranulin levels in normal adults.