Effects of Aerobic Versus Resistance Training on Serum Leptin and Insulin Resistance in Healthy Sedentary Men

Background: New pieces of evidence show that the leptin released from adipose tissue is associated with obesity; however, leptinresponse to different types of exercise programs in humans is unknown.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic versus resistance training on serum leptin and insulin resistancein sedentary men.Methods: Thirty male volunteers with a mean age of ۲۳.۲ ۱.۲۳ years, body mass index (BMI) ۲۳.۹ ۰.۹۵ kg.m-۲, fat percent ۱۸.۲۸ ۱.۱۵, and waist-to-hip ratio ۰.۸۹ ۰.۰۲ were randomly assigned into three groups, including aerobic, resistance exercise, andcontrol groups (n = ۱۰). The resistance exercise program was performed for ۶۰ minutes at ۷۰% of one repetition maximum for ۳sets. Every set consisted of ۱۰ repetitions per move (RPM) followed by a ۳۰-second-rest interval between every station accompaniedby a ۲-minute-rest between every set. The aerobic exercise program consisted of running on a treadmill for ۳۰ minutes at ۶۰ to ۷۰percent of reserved heart rate (maximum heart rate-heart rate rest). Fasting blood samples were collected before and after ۶ weeksafter the termination of the exercise protocol in order to determine the plasma leptin level and insulin resistance.Results: The results of one-way ANOVA showed that body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio were significantly decreased in bothexperimental groups and maximum aerobic power and one repetition maximum of bench press plus leg press were significantlyincreased (P < ۰.۰۵). In addition, insulin resistance levels were significantly decreased in both exercises groups compared with thecontrol group. However, the leptin level was significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise group compared with the other twogroups (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusions: According to these findings, both aerobic and resistance training without changes in body weight and body massindex appear to be a non-prescriptive therapeutic approach to lower the insulin levels and insulin resistance in sedentary men.However, aerobic versus resistance training may play a role in regulating systemic leptin.

Keywords:

Exercise , Insulin Resistance , Leptin