Effect of HIIT with Tabata Protocol on Serum Irisin, Physical Performance, and Body Composition in Men

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is frequently utilized as a method to reduce body mass. Its intensity of work results in a number of beneficial adaptive changes in a relatively short period of time. Irisin is a myokine and adipokine secreted to the blood during exercise and it takes part in the regulation of energy metabolism. It is a vital issue from the prophylaxis point of view as well as treatment through exercise of different diseases (e.g., obesity, type-2 diabetes). The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in irisin concentration, body composition, and aerobic and anaerobic performance in men after HIIT. Eight weeks of HIIT following the Tabata protocol was applied in the training group (HT) (n = 15), while a sedentary group (SED) (n = 10) did not participate in fitness activities within the same time period. Changes of irisin, body composition, and aerobic and anaerobic performance were evaluated after graded exercise test (GXT) and Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) before and after eight weeks of training. Training resulted in an increased of blood irisin concentration (by 29.7%) p < 0.05), VO_2max increase (PRE: 44.86 ± 5.74 mL·kg^-1·min^-1; POST: 50.16 ± 5.80 mL kg^-1·min^-1; p < 0.05), reduction in percent body fat (PRE: 14.44 ± 3.33%; POST: 13.61 ± 3.16%; p < 0.05), and increase of WAnT parameters (p < 0.05) in the HT group. No changes were observed in the SED group. HIIT resulted in beneficial effects in the increase in blood irisin concentration, physical performance, and reduced fat content. The HIIT may indicate an acceleration of base metabolism. This effect can be utilized in the prevention or treatment of obesity.

Keywords: HIIT; basal metabolism; fat reduction; fitness; health; irisin; lean body mass; power output.

Figure 1

Scheme of the training sessions. LA = Lactate, ABB = Acid–Base Balance, BM = Body mass.

Figure 2

Mean intensity of eight sets in each training session during eight weeks training expressed as % HR_max. (A–H) present the intensity of all eight training sets during the first session in the week (black circle) and second session in the week (dotted square) * p < 0.05 in comparison to the same sets during the first training session (Student’s t-test). HR = hart rate.

Figure 3

Mean lactate level after two training sessions in each training week and mean % HR_max of the two training sessions in each training week. * p < 0.05 in comparison to lactate after the first; second; sixth; seventh training weeks; ** p < 0.005 in comparison to the third week; # p < 0.01 in comparison to the first; second; sixth and seventh weeks of training (Student’s t-test for dependent values). LA = lactate, HR = heart rate.

Figure 4

Irisin level in HT and sedentary group at the baseline and after eight weeks; * p < 0.05 in comparison to baseline value: ** p < 0.05 in comparison to the HT baseline group (Mann–Whitney U-test).