Effects of resistance training and high-intensity interval training on lipid profiles and liver biomarkers in men with NAFLD

Introduction : Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of combined training on biomarkers of liver damage in men with NAFLD. Methods Twenty men (38.50 ± 5.52 years, 93.70 ± 11.32 kg) with NAFLD were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group included combined resistance training (RT) with an intensity of 60–75% of the 1RM, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with an intensity of 84% of the maximum heart rate, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The exercise program included 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week (2 sessions of resistance training, 1 session of HIIT training) and 40–60 minutes in each session. Blood biochemical factors, including omentin-1 and fetuin-B, and liver enzymes, including ALT, AST, ALP, lipid profile (triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), waist‒hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage (BFR), were measured before and after the protocol. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used, with pretest values used as covariate variables. Results Serum levels of omentin-1 increased significantly, and significant increases in liver enzyme levels, lipid profiles, weight, BMI, WHR, BFR, and Vo2max were observed. Conclusion The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of combined training led to improvements in the lipid profile and liver enzyme levels, which can have a positive effect on NAFLD.