Influence of Different Intensities of Resistance Exercise on Inflammatory Markers in Young Healthy Men

Previous studies showed that inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. IL-1β, IL-6, and HS-CRP are biomarkers with a predictive value in cardiovascular disease. Considering that the effects of resistance training at moderate and high intensity on inflammatory markers have not been studied, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise intensities on levels of IL-1β, IL-6, HS-CRP and fibrinogen.

Thirty healthy young male volunteer students were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 participants each. Groups I and II performed moderate (45-55% 1RM) and high intensity (80-90% 1RM) resistance exercise for 6 consecutive weeks (3 days/week) respectively. Group III, was the control group. Seven exercise stations were employed per session. The rest intervals between the sets of the protocols and stations were 1-2min and 3min respectively. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, HS-CRP and plasma level of fibrinogen were assessed before and after resistance training periods. Statistical analysis of data was accomplished using analysis of variance with repeated-measures design.

There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 before and after the training period. HS-CRP was decreased in groups I and II, but this was not significant (p>0.05). Post test, however, HS-CRP in the two exercising groups was significantly lowered (p=0.008), compared to the control group. Plasma levels of fibrinogen decreased significantly in the high intensity resistance exercise group.

In conclusion, short term resistance training can have beneficial effects on serum levels of some proinflammatory markers in healthy young males. In addition high intensity resistance training decreases plasma level of fibrinogen.