Effects of Interval Training on Irisin and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Men

Background: Irisin increases the calorie consumption and exothermicity, leading to the weight loss. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on levels of Irisin and Insulin resistance in overweight men. Methods: Therefore, 36 overweight men, who could regularly attend physical activity sessions, were selected and randomly divided into three groups, namely high-intensity interval training (n=12), moderate-intensity continuous training (n=12), and control (n=12). All three groups were similar in terms of weight and body mass index. The training programs of HIIT and MICT groups included 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks with different intensities. The control group did not attend any regular training program during the research. Blood samples were taken for measuring level of Irisin and determining the Insulin resistance index. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test were utilized at a level of P<0.05 for comparing mean of parameters. Results: The results indicated that the HIIT and MICT changed levels of Irisin (P=0.024) and Insulin resistance index (P=0.011). The comparison of inter-group changes indicated no significant difference between HIIT and MICT groups. Conclusions: According to research results, the high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training could be effective in preventing and treating overweight and obesity through increasing levels of Irisin and improving the Insulin resistance.