Comparison of the effect of aerobic, resistance and combined training on some inflammatory markers in obese men.

This study aimed to examine the impact of 12 weeks of aerobic interval, resistance and combined exercise on inflammatory markers of TNF-a, IFN-y, Metrnl and IL-4 in obese men. Forty-four individuals (35–55 years; body mass index (BMI): 30–40 kg/m2) voluntarily participated, and were randomly divided into four groups: aerobic interval exercise (n = 10) (5 × 3-min intervals at ∼40–80% peak heart rate), resistance exercise (n = 11) (2–3 sets, 8–20 repetitions at 40–80% one-repetition maximum), combined exercise (n = 12) (a combination of both aerobic and resistance exercises) and control (n = 11). The exercise protocol in all three groups was 12 weeks with a frequency of three sessions per week. IL-4 increased significantly in aerobic interval (P = 0.005), resistance (P = 0.005), and combined (P = 0.022) exercise groups. TNF-α decreased significantly only in the aerobic (P = 0.005) and combined (P = 0.012) groups, but it increased in the resistance group (P = 0.025). None of the exercise interventions resulted in a significant change in Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) and IFN-γ levels (P > 0.05). The results suggest that aerobic and combined exercises may have more beneficial effects in improving the inflammatory status than resistance exercise alone in obese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]