Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescent is increasing surprisingly. Overweight and obesity in early teens is associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Obesity is related to systemic inflammation, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin tolerance which are directly related to  metabolic diseases such diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. Several reports demonstrated that various exercise trainings have beneficial effects on obesity and its complication. However fewer studies could be found that investigated the effect of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on childhood obesity and serum levels of insulin and inflammatory cytokines.

Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, thirty-two obese boys (BMI= 27) were randomly assigned to SIT (N=16) and control groups (C) (N=16). Training protocol consisted of 30s and 90s of all-out running that was performed 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Hormonal and inflammatory variables were measured by ELISA analysis. Data were analyzed using Independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation.

Results:  After 8 weeks SIT, serum levels of TNF-&alpha; and insulin decreased significantly (P<0.001). Also BMI (P=0.010), total cholesterol (P<0.001) and body weight (P=0.020) respond to SIT decreased significantly but significant change in serum levels of HDL (P=0.500), LDL (P=0.170) and TG(P=0.600) wasn’t observed.

Conclusion: These results indicate that SIT has anti-inflammatory and protective effects on childhood obesity and probably we could use this exercise as a non-pharmacological method in treatment or prevention of obesity.