The effect of high-intensity interval training on physical function and energy intake in male rats consuming a high-fat diet

High-fat diet (HFD) leads to adverse changes in skeletal muscles. Regular exercise reduces skeletal muscle disorders by maintaining physical function. This study aimed to assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on muscle strength, endurance capacity, food consumed, energy intake, and Lee index in male rats consuming a HFD and normal diet (ND). 44 rats were divided into four equal groups, including ND control, HFD control, HIIT+ ND, and HIIT+ HFD. The HIIT was performed for 12 weeks at 85-90% of the maximum speed. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of P<0.05. Food consumed and energy intake were lower and higher, respectively in the HFD control group compared with the ND control. Also, the body weight, Lee index, food consumed, and energy intake in the HIIT+HFD group were significantly lower than in the HFD control group and Lee index and food consumed in the HIIT+HFD group were significantly lower than in the HIIT+ND group. Furthermore, the endurance capacity in the HIIT+HFD group was significantly higher than in the HFD control group and in the HIIT+ND group was significantly higher than the ND and HFD controls. Absolute and relative muscle strength also increased and decreased in all groups, respectively. It seems that performing HIIT despite consuming a HFD leads to improved physical function and reduced body weight gain.