The effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training on Castelli 1 and 2 and atherogenic markers in inactive obese and normal weight women

Background and Purpose: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, and middle-aged women are more prone to obesity. Some new lipid composition indices have been identified to predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on lipid profile as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in inactive middle-aged obese and normal weight women.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four women aged 30 to 45, healthy, inactive, with normal weight (NG) and obese (OG) were allocated into two experimental groups (n=12) in a semi-experimental design. After two weeks of preparation training, subjects in both groups performed eight weeks of HIIT, consisted of 3 sessions per week of body weight movements at 8 stations for 20 seconds activity followed by 10 seconds rest at each station. The number of training rounds was 4 to 7 rounds, which was increased every two weeks and performed at an intensity corresponsding to 90% HRmax. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after the last training session, after 12 hours of fasting on days 14 to 16 of menstruation. Body composition characteristics (Height, weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass) and blood lipids (to determine the Castelli risk indices 1 and 2 and plasma atherogenic index, atherogenic index) were measured. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was employed to compare the variables between two groups at a significance level of P < 0.05.
Results: Eight weeks of high-intensity interval training caused a significant decrease in body mass index, body fat percentage and body fat mass in both groups (P<0.05). Also, the ratio of waist to hip circumference (WHR) in NG was significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas, this reduction in OG was not significant (P>0.05). Castelli risk index-II was significantly decreased in OG group(P<0.05), while, there were no significant changes in plasma atherogenic variables, atherogenic and Castelli risk index-I (P>0.05). In the NG group, there significant reductions in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass, Castelli risk indices 1 and 2, plasma atherogenic index, and atherogenic index were found when post-training data were compared to the pre-training (P<0.05).
Conclusion: High-intensity interval training, despite low training volume, may be beneficial in improving lipid risk indices in middle-aged women. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and could be used as a non-pharmacological method to reduce blood lipids and cardiovascular risks.