The effects of six weeks high intensity interval training (HIIT) on resting plasma levels of adiponectin and fat loss in sedentary young women

Introduction: high intensity interval training (HIIT) enhances capacity for fat oxidation and mitochondrial enzyme activity, but the effect of HIIT on plasma adiponectin levels is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of six weeks HIIT on resting plasma levels of adiponectin, insulin sensitivity and resistance and fat loss in sedentary young women. Material and Methods: Twenty tow students voluntarily participated in this study and the randomly divided into two groups: Experimental and Control groups. Experimental group performed three HIIE sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each session consisted of either four to six repeats of maximal sprint running within a 20 m area with 20–30 s recovery. Fasting blood samples were collected 24 hours before and after exercise protocol. Data were analyzed by dependent t test and paired t test. Results: Statistical analysis data showed, resting adiponectin levels post-intervention in the experimental group had significantly increased (p=0.047). Significant improvements (P<0.05) were found in body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) post-intervention (experimental group). Conclusion: the findings of present study demonstrated, High-intensity interval training is an appropriate method to reduce body fat and improve anthropometric indices in sedentary young women. Also, the intensity of exercise as an important factor in the increase in adiponectin levels could be noted.