Comparison of two methods of high-intensity aerobic and strength training on insulin, growth hormone (GH), and glucose homeostasis in professional Taekwondo athletes

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference between two methods of high-intensity aerobic and strength training on insulin, growth hormone (GH), and glucose homeostasis in professional taekwondo athletes.

This quasi-experimental research was conducted on one group of professional Taekwondo players (n=12) with an average age of 22 ± 1.5 years. All athletes regularly trained three days a week. In the first-week training session, regular training sessions (RTS, 90 minutes) were performed, high-intensity strength training (80%, 1RM, 45min) in the second, and high-intensity aerobic training (80% VO2max, 45 min) in the third week respectively. 24 hours after each training session, insulin, growth hormone (GH), and glucose homeostasis (FBS, HOMA-IR, Insulin) were measured after 10 hours of fasting. Data related to the sample are presented with descriptive statistics, and repeat measurement of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate variables. All statistical tests were performed and considered significant at a P ≤ 0.05.

The findings showed that there is a significant difference between the three methods of regular exercise training, high-intensity aerobic and strength training on the levels of insulin hormones, growth hormone (GH), and glucose homeostasis of professional taekwondo athletes (p<0.05). Serum insulin, FBS, and HOMA-IR increased in high-intensity strength training more than in high-intensity aerobic training. HOMA-B and GH levels increased in high-intensity aerobic training more than in high-intensity strength training (p<0.05).

According to the findings, in professional taekwondo athletes, high-intensity strength training may increase serum insulin levels and insulin sensitivity, and high-intensity aerobic training increases growth hormone levels. The findings of this study show that high-intensity aerobic exercise is better for taekwondo practitioners to increase growth hormone levels and to increase insulin hormones and improve glucose homeostasis levels, it seems that it is better to implement and perform high-intensity strength training for professional taekwondo athletes.