Comparison of the effect of high and moderate intensity interval training on the serum levels of irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male students with obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial phenomenon that can endanger people's health by causing metabolic disorders. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of high and moderate intensity interval training on the serum levels of irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in obese male students.

In this quasi-experimental study, 30 obese male students with an age range of 28 to 38 years and a BMI > 30 were randomly assigned into three groups of 10; including high intensity interval training, moderate intensity interval training and control. The training program was implemented for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Irisin and BDNF indices were measured after 12 hours of fasting, 24 hours before and after the research.

Irisin levels were significantly increased in the high intensity interval training group (P<0.0001, Es=0.34) and the moderate intensity interval training group (P<0.0001, Es=0.37). No significant difference was observed in the comparison between groups. Also, the levels of BDNF in the high intensity interval training group (P<0.0001, Es=0.53) and the moderate intensity interval training group (P<0.0001, Es=0.36) were significantly increased. No significant difference was observed in comparison between groups.

It is possible that interval training with both high and moderate intensity can improve the health status of obese people by having a favorable effect on irisin and BDNF indicators.