The Effect of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Vs. High-Intensity Interval Training on Visceral and Subcutaneous Fats in Obese Women

Background and Objectives: Exercise training can be effective in reducing subcutaneous and visceral fat. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on visceral fat in obese women. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial design, 34 obese healthy women were randomly divided into three groups of MICT, HIIT, and control. The subjects of the training groups practiced for 12 weeks, three times a week. MICT protocol consisted of 30 minutes of running with the 45-60 percent of heart rate reserve (HRR) and HIIT protocol included four intervals of 4 min (4×4) at 85-95 percent of maximum heart rate (HRmax). The control group had no exercise program. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before the start of training program, and again 48 hours after the end of training period in indoor sports hall in Baneh. Data analysis was performed using the repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc Bonferroni test,and Pearsons correlation test. Results: In both MICT (from 99.18±13.19 to 62.82±18.84) and HIIT (from 88.23±7.13 to 56.99±9.48) groups after 12 weeks of training, a significant decrease in RBP4 was observed (in both groups, p less-than 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference between the experimental groups compared to the control group in the post-test about RBP4 (p less-than 0.05). But, fasting glucose levels dropped significantly only in the HIIT group from 88.96±3.74 to 80.55±4.52 mg/dl (p= 0.030). Additionally, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist to hip circumference were decreased significantly after 12 weeks of training in both exercising groups (p less-than 0.05). While, the changes in insulin and insulin resistance index was not significant in any of the groups (p greater-than 0.05). Conclusion: It is likely that both MICT and HIIT protocol had significant effects on reducing visceral and subcutaneous fat in obese women, although there does not seem to be much difference between these two training programs. Key words: High-intensity interval training, Continuous training, Subcutaneous fat, Visceral fats, Obesity, Women Funding: This research was funded by University of Kurdistan. Conflict of interest: None declared. Ethical approval: The University of Kurdistan approved the study. How to cite this article: Sheikholeslami-Vatani D, Ebrahimi A. The Effect of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Vs. High-Intensity Interval Training on Visceral and Subcutaneous Fats in Obese Women. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2018; 16(12): 999-1012. [Farsi]