Progressive circuit resistance training improves inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance in obese men

Background: Circuit resistance training (CRT) is a time-efficient exercise modality for improving skeletal muscle and cardiovascular fitness. But the beneficial role of CRT in obese individuals is still not well understood. This study explores the reducing effects of progressive CRT on inflammatory biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese young men. Methods: Thirty obese men (Body mass index (BMI): 30.67 +/- 3.06; age: 23 +/- 3.2 years) were divided into CRT and control groups. The CRT was performed for eight-weeks (3 times/week, 65-85% of 1 repetition maximum). Fasting blood samples were taken pre and post intervention for analyzing apelin, chemerin, serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein concentrations (CRP), lipid profile, and insulin resistance index. The data were assessed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Body mass, BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were significantly decreased after training intervention (P<.05). Compared to the control group, the plasma concentrations of Chemrin (P =.038), SAA (P =.004), insulin (P<.001), insulin resistance index (P<.001), total cholesterol (P =.033), triglyceride (P<.001), and low-density lipoprotein (P = .039), were significantly mitigated in the CRT group, but high-density lipoprotein plasma levels increased in the CRT group compared to that of the control group (P =.035). There was no significant difference between two groups in apelin and CRP (P>.05). Moreover, insulin resistance was positively correlated with apelin (r = 0.56) and chemerin (r = 0.51). Also, chemerin had a positive correlation with SAA (r = 0.49), and WHR (r = 0.54). Conclusion: CRT caused an improvement in inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors in young obese men, and this improvement was accompanied by decreased insulin resistance.