Comparing the Effect of a 10-Week High- and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Plasma ICAM-I and VCAM-I Levels in Obese boys

The expression of adhesion molecule such as the intercellular adhesion molecule- I (ICAM-I) and vascular adhesion molecule- I (VCAM-I) in obese people may increase atherosclerosis phenomena and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of 10-week high-intensity and moderate-intensity aerobic trainings on plasma levels of ICAM-I and VCAM-I in obese boys.

The statistical population of the present study was obese boys of Baharestan city. The sample included 36 obese student boys aged 13.4±0.69 years old, height: 163.06±7.88 cm; weight; 85.72±8.42 kg) who were randomly assigned to three groups: high-intensity training (n=‌12), moderate-intensity training (n=‌12), and control (n=12). The training was performed at 50%-65% maximal heart rate (moderate-intensity training group) and 70%-85% maximal heart rate (high-intensity training group), three days per week for 10 weeks. The blood sample was collected 48 h before and 48 h after the last session of exercise training. The ICAM-I and VCAM-I were measured via ELISA. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated ANOVA in SPPS, version 18.

The results indicated that body weight and BMI decreased significantly after moderate- and high-intensity training (p < 0.05). VO2max value significantly increased following 10 weeks of exercise training in both groups. No significant different was observed between exercise groups for plasma levels of ICAM-I. Moreover, the plasma levels of VCAM-I decreased significantly in the high-intensity training compared to the moderate-intensity training and control groups (p < 0.05).

It seems that intensity of training may decrease plasma levels of ICAM-I and VCAM-I through decrease of body weight and BMI and increase of VO2max.