Interleukin-7 and Aerobic Capacity Responses after 20 Sessions of Low-Intensity Resistance Training in Fasting State during Ramadan

Resistance training may play a role in muscle cell synthesis by increasing the secretion of interleukin-7 (IL-7). On the other hand, fasting (reduced energy intake) can affect the metabolism of proteins. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 20 sessions of low-intensity resistance training (low-RT) on IL-7, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2</sub>max) in fasting state during Ramadan.

 In this semi-experimental study, 48 overweight women [age: 37.2 ± 5.9 years, height: 160.2 ± 5.3 m, and body mass index (BMI): 25-29.9 kg/m2</sup>] were randomly assigned into fasting (FAS, n= 12), Low-RT (n = 15), FAS + Low-RT (n = 11), and control (CON, n = 10) groups. The Low-RT program involved eight exercises emphasis on major muscle groups, which was performed 5 sessions a week at an intensity of 30%-60% one-repetition maximum during Ramadan. During this month, the fasting time lasted about 17 hours. Blood samples were taken in the fasting state from all subjects before and on the last day of fasting (48 hours after the last training session).

Muscular endurance and VO2</sub>max increased significantly in Low-RT and FAS + Low-RT groups compared to the CON. Moreover, there was a significant increase in IL-7 in the Low-RT and FAS + Low-RT groups compared to the baseline.

 A month Low-RT program in fasting state improved IL-7, aerobic capacity and muscular fitness. Thus, overweight women can benefit from low-intensity resistance training during Ramadan.