Effect of 8 weeks of selected aquatic aerobic training on lipocalin-2, glycemic and lipid profile indices in overweight middle-aged men

Lipocalin-2 is a novel adipokine which is secreted from adipose tissues and is closely associated with low inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of selected aquatic aerobic training on lipocalin-2, glycemic indices and lipid profile in overweight middle-aged men. 24 overweight men (BMI≥25 Kg/m2, age range of 45 to 55 years old) were selected randomly from 70 volunteers after a public call. After they met necessary requirements, they were divided into experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Training program included selected aquatic aerobic training with 45-65% of maximum heart rate for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after training to measure study variables. The comparison of control and experimental groups with independent t test showed a significant difference in lipoprotein-2, insulin resistance index, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C (P<0.05) while changes in glucose, insulin and HDL-C variables were not significant (P>0.05). Results showed that aquatic aerobic training could have positive effects on reducing some cardiovascular risk factors in overweight middle-aged men. Therefore, these types of training can be recommended by sport and health experts for these individuals.