Moderate-Intensity Intermittent Walking Improves Liver-Related Biomarkers and Reduces Inflammation in Postmenopausal...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Postmenopausal obesity is linked to increased systemic inflammation, elevating liver disease risk.
• Exercise interventions show promise in improving inflammatory and hepatic function in this demographic.
• Moderate-intensity intermittent-walking training (MIWT) presents a feasible exercise option for obese postmenopausal women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a 10-week MIWT program in modulating hepatic enzymes and inflammatory markers in sedentary, obese postmenopausal women.
• To assess the impact of MIWT on body composition and aerobic capacity as secondary outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six sedentary postmenopausal women with obesity were randomized into a training group (TG, n=18) or a control group (CG, n=18).
• The TG underwent a 10-week MIWT protocol: 4 sessions/week, ~85 min/session, with walking intervals at 60%-80% of 6MWT distance and active recovery.
• Measurements included liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), body composition (mass, BMI, body fat, waist circumference), and aerobic capacity.

Main Results:

• The TG group showed significant improvements in liver enzymes: alanine-transaminase (ALT), aspartate-transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin.
• Significant reductions in systemic inflammation markers, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP), were observed in the TG.
• The TG also experienced significant reductions in body mass, BMI, body fat, and waist circumference, alongside increased aerobic capacity.

Conclusions:

• MIWT is a feasible and effective intervention for improving liver-related biochemical markers and reducing systemic inflammation in postmenopausal women with obesity.
• The exercise program yielded additional benefits, including favorable changes in body composition and enhanced aerobic fitness.
• MIWT represents a valuable non-pharmacological strategy for managing metabolic and inflammatory risks associated with obesity in postmenopausal women.