The Effect of 6 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Training on Serum CTRP1 Levels and Some Cardiovascular Inflammatory Markers in Obese Men

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Ta.C., Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.

10.32598/SJRM.15.2.3435

Abstract

Background and Aims Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, physical activity is recognized as an effective strategy for improving inflammatory and metabolic factors. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on serum CTRP1 levels and cardiovascular inflammatory markers in obese men.
Methods In a quasi-experimental study, 30 obese men (BMI≥30 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 participants each: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and control. HIIT (90%-100% of maximal heart rate) and MICT (60%-75% of heart rate reserve) were performed for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Serum levels of C1q/TNF-related protein-1 (CTRP1), interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before the intervention and 48 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), paired t tests, and LSD post-hoc tests at a significance level of P≤0.05.
Results Between-group analysis using ANCOVA showed significant differences among the study groups in CTRP1 (F=8.64, P=0.002), IL-6 (F=6.47, P=0.004), and CRP (F=14.00, P=0.004). LSD post-hoc tests indicated that both HIIT and MICT groups, compared to the control group, had significant changes in CTRP1, IL-6, and CRP (P≤0.05). No significant differences were observed between the HIIT and MICT groups for any of the variables.
Conclusion The results of this study indicate that both HIIT and MICT can serve as effective strategies for improving pro- and anti-inflammatory markers related to cardiovascular risk in obese individuals, although the effects of higher-intensity training appear to be more pronounced.

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2
May and June 2026
Pages 236-251

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 January 2026
  • Accept Date: 07 February 2026
  • First Publish Date: 07 February 2026

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