High-Intensity Interval or Concurrent Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obese Women

Comparable Reductions in Health Biomarkers Following High-Intensity Interval or Concurrent Training in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: Menopause is associated with body composition change, an increase in the cardio-metabolic risk factor for oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that regular physical training is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce oxidative stress and cardio-metabolic disorders in menopausal individuals. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of twelve weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and concurrent (Conc) and on body composition, cardio-metabolic indices and oxidative stress in sedentary obese postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods: Forty-five menopausal obese women voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned into three groups: a) HIIT (6-12×60s of high intensity training (85-95% HRMax) and then running for 60 seconds with low intensity (55-60% HRMax)), b) concurrent endurance (performed on training with 55-75% HRMax) and strength training (including two sets in eight exercise stations with 55-75% 1RM)) and c) control group. Training programs were done for twelve weeks, 3 times per week. Body composition, cardio-metabolic indices and oxidative stress markers were measured before and after twelve weeks of exercise training program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with at least 12 months of amenorrhea.
• Physical abilities with the capacity to exercise safely as determined by a medical evaluation.
• Women in a sedentary state, defined as performing <150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week during the previous year.
• BMI >25 and ≤40 kg/ m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• hormone replacement therapy
• smoking.
• diagnosed cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or any musculoskeletal limitation precluding exercise participation