High intensity interval training and omega-3 supplementation
alone or combined modulates inflammatory status of
sedentary obese men
M. Kaviani Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. Vol. 42, 2017
The purpose of this study was to examine effects of high intensity
interval training (HIIT) and omega-3 supplementation alone or combined
on inflammatory status of sedentary obese men. Forty obese men (age
38±4 y, BMI 32.4±2.3 Kg/m2) participated in this study. At the first visit,
participants were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 experimental groups:
1) the control group (n=10), which consumed placebo capsules; 2) HIIT
group (n=10), which only completed the training protocol; 3) Omega-3
group (n=10), which consumed 1000 mg/day of fish oil containing
400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 300 mg docosahexaenoic acid, and
4) HIIT+Omega-3 (n=10), which underwent both interventions. HIIT consisted
of twelve weeks (3 days/week) of progressive exercise protocol on
cycle ergometer. Each session consisted of 60 seconds of work followed
by 60 seconds of recovery, repeated for 20 minutes. The duration of
intervals increased weekly by adding 5 seconds and with only adding
5 seconds to recovery times every two weeks. Serum levels of chemerin,
tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured
24 hours before and after the interventions. Results showed greater
reduction in serum levels of chemerin (%= -4; P= 0.009), CRP (%= -6;
P= 0.003), TNF- (%= -7.5; P= 0.031) in the combined group compared to
other groups. No significant difference was found in the serum IL-6 concentrations
between the omega-3 group and HIIT (P= 0.34); while, IL-6
concentrations were significantly different in the HIIT and HIIT+Omega-3
groups versus Omega-3 and control groups (P=0.007).
Our findings indicate
that HIIT combined with Omega-3 supplementation can improve inflammatory
markers that can lead to improved overall metabolic health.