Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols on Liver Enzymes and Wellness in Women

Single-modality, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using traditional cardiorespiratory exercise selection has been found to provide similar and sometimes superior cardiometabolic effects compared with moderate-intensity continuous training. However, little is known regarding the cardiometabolic and psychosocial effects of HIIT using resistance training modalities. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of HIIT using rowing (R-HIIT) and multimodal HIIT (MM-HIIT) using resistance training on liver enzymes, cardiometabolic risk factors, and psychosocial outcomes.

Recreationally active females with a body mass index <30 kg/m² (N = 16, 23.0 ± 5.9 years) were randomized into a MM-HIIT or R-HIIT group and completed a 12-week HIIT intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03093441) using principles of social cognitive theory (SCT). Participants completed pre- and postintervention measurements on anthropometrics, resting heart rate, blood pressure, blood measures (lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose), exercise self-efficacy, and perceived wellness. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in postintervention measures between groups after controlling for baseline values, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio.

R-HIIT group had significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (mean difference = 13.16, P=0.013, effect size (ES) = 0.44, confidence interval (CI) = 3.40 to 22.92) and aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference = 10.79, P=0.024, ES = 0.38, CI = 1.67 to 19.90) levels compared with the M-HIIT group, and the whole group had improved wellness scores (14.72 ± 2.6 to 16.89 ± 2.76, P=0.002).

R-HIIT may be an effective preventative method for improving liver health in females without obesity. When using principles of SCT, HIIT may enhance overall well-being.