Effect of High‐Intensity Interval Training on Visceral and Liver Fat in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Issue 7 (31st May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Jenna L.; Holland, David J.; Mielke, Gregore I.; Bailey, Tom G.; Johnson, Nathan A.; Leveritt, Michael D.; Gomersall, Sjaan R.; Rowlands, Alex V.; Coombes, Jeff S.; Keating, Shelley E.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 28:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1245
• Page End: 1253
• Publication Date: 2020-05-31
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.22833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat reduction in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) over 3 months and the maintenance of improvements over 12 months. Methods: Forty‐two participants with CAD were randomized to three sessions/week of either 4 × 4‐minute high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) or 40 minutes of usual care moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) for a 4‐week supervised cardiac rehabilitation program, followed by three home‐based sessions/week for 11 months. Liver fat (as intrahepatic lipid) and VAT were measured via magnetic resonance techniques. Data are mean change (95% CI). Results: HIIT and MICT significantly reduced VAT over 3 months (−350 [−548 to −153] cm 3 vs. −456 [−634 to −278] cm 3 ; time × group effect: P = 0.421), with further improvement over 12 months (−545 [−818 to −271] cm 3 vs. −521 [−784 to −258] cm 3 ; time × group effect: P = 0.577) and no differences between groups. Both groups improved liver fat over 3 months, with HIIT tending to show greater reduction than MICT (−2.8% [−4.0% to −1.6%] vs. −1.4% [−2.4% to −0.4%]; time × group effect: P = 0.077). After 12 months, improvements were maintained to a similar degree. Higher exercise intensity predicted liver fat reduction (β = −0.3 [−0.7 to 0.0]; P = 0.042). Conclusions: HIIT and MICT reduced VAT over 3 and 12 months. For liver fat, HIIT tended to provide a slightly greater reduction compared with MICT. These findings support HIIT as a beneficial adjunct or alternative to MICT for reducing visceral and liver fat in patients with CAD.