Comparing the effect of 10 weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate Intensity Aerobic Training (MIAT) on C-reactive protein level and lipid profiles in overweight inactive men

Background: The cardio-vascular diseases have an inflammatory background and systemic inflammation has the key role in the development of atherosclerosis and this factor may specially increase cardiovascular problems in overweight and obese people. The aim of this study was compares the effects of ten weeks High Intensity Interval (HIIT) training and moderate intensity aerobic training (MIAT) on some cardiovascular risk factors in overweight inactive men.

Methods: Nineteen overweight men (with an average age of 24.12 ± 1.42 and body mass index 27.27 ± 0.94 kg / m2) voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided to 2 Groups: Group A (HIIT) and Group B (MIAT). Subjects performed training programs for 10 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The levels of C-reactive protein and lipid profile were measured before and after 10 weeks of training programs. For statistical data analysis, independent and paired t tests were used and considered significant at a p≤0.05.

Results: After 12 weeks of High Intensity Interval training, levels of cholesterol (P=0.001), LDL (P=0.002) and CRP (P=0.001) were significantly reduced and HDL level increased significantly (P=0.001), In MIAT training group, only a significant reduction in cholesterol was found (P=0.006).

Conclusion: The ten weeks HIIT training can cause favorable changes in body fat percentage, lipid profile and CRP level in overweight students.