The Effect of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training on Hepatic Enzymes in Males With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease associated with inactivity and obesity. Physical activity and exercise could affect the risk of NAFLD progression by improving the hepatic lipid profiles. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combination of aerobic and resistance training on hepatic enzymes in males with NAFLD. Patients and Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two untrained males with NAFLD (aged = 32.93 ± 2.15 years, weight = 86.01.51 ± 8.40 kg) were recruited and randomly divided into equal experimental and control groups. The trained group took part in a combination aerobic and resistance training program for eight weeks (three times per week). The control group continued their routine life. The weight, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), HDL/LDL, TC/HDL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured before and after the protocol. Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated that the training group had significant changes in weight, BMI, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, HDL/LDL, TC/ HDL, AST and ALT, whereas there was no significant change in HDL in NAFLD patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that physical activity improves metabolic parameters, which interfere in the development of fatty liver and has a protective role against the development of NAFLD.

Positive Effects of Exercise Intervention without Weight Loss and Dietary Changes in NAFLD-Related Clinical Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Such exercises were shown to decrease blood pressure and IHL and improve insulin resistance [ 19 , 21 ]. Moreover, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training was also shown to improve the metabolic parameters known to interfere in NAFLD development and offer a protective role against it [ 22 ].…”

Strength Development, Muscle and Tissue Damage in Different Training Models

“…In different research, it was reported that exercise affects muscle damage markers [15]. It was concluded that combined aerobic and resistance exercises performed three days a week for 8 weeks had positive effects on liver enzymes in individuals with Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [16]. Shamsoddini et al [17] have emphasized that aerobic exercise and resistance training lead to decreases in AST and ALT values.…”

Assessment of Hepatic and Lipid Profiles Following 12 Weeks of Aerobic Exercise in Overweight Postmenopausal Women

“…Given that the effects of exercise on the hepatic enzymes are completely contradictory in related studies, 1,17,18,26 it seems that the exact mechanisms are needed to be further evaluated regarding that whether the elevation in serum ALP is an exercise induced-positive physiological or a pathological adaptation. On the other hand, due to the sedentary lifestyle and physically inactive status in overweight PMWs, it is likely that any intensity of aerobic exercise may cause additional pressure on body organs such as the liver and CVS.…”

“…15,16 However, many studies have reported effects of aerobic training on the hepatic and lipid profiles, but their results are contradictory. 1,[17][18][19] On the other hand, in aged individuals and especially in postmenopausal women (PMWs), the accumulation of visceral fat due to a reduction in sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone leads to an increase in CVS, metabolic and liver diseases. 13 In other words, in the menopause period, the relationships between estrogen reduction and biochemical effects due to aging process results in the hepatic damage.…”

“…21 Furthermore, 21% to 43% of Iranian people suffer from liver dysfunction. 17 Regarding the beneficial role of aerobic exercise, we here assessed its potential effects on the improvement of liver function in PMWs. Here, we examined the effect of 12 weeks of warm up-walking and jogging moderate intensity aerobic exercise training program-recovery (W-WJMIAEP-R) on physiological indices, hepatic enzymes and lipid profiles in PMWs.…”