What Is the Effect of Physical Exercise on Nafld/Nash

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathologic entity characterized by an excessive accumulation of hepatic lipid without alcohol consumption. Both endurance and strength exercise have shown to be beneficial in NAFLD. PubMed database has been searched for randomized trials and prospective cohort studies in adults aged ≥ 18, rats and mice that have investigated the effects of at least 4 weeks of exercise only or combination with diet on NAFLD from 2014 to 2019. The review selected have been those in which exercise was clearly described by type, duration, intensity, and frequency, and that the NAFLD diagnosis, as well as the outcome measures, were confirmed through, at least, one of the following methods: biopsy, anthropometric measures, blood testing, ultrasonography imaging, biochemical analysis and Image Resonance Magnetic (MRI). Lifestyle has shown to greatly influence human behavior and health, however, a major factor impacting studies results is the difficulty in controlling people`s compliance with a healthier lifestyle, unlike animals that are forced to exercise over time, frequency and intensity, according to the researchers` wish. Therefore, animal studies have shown better results of the effect of exercise on the disease. However, both human and animal studies have reached a positive change in the following parameters: weight, fat percentage, blood glucose, insulin and ALT and AST levels. Physical exercise improves nonalcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD), however, an optimum approach is still unclear. A regular and long-term systematic practice of exercise leads to better general health, body weight control, and life quality improvement.