The effect of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on vitamin D levels and lipid profiles in elderly men

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and increased lipid profile are risk factors in old age. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of vitamin D, lipid profile of elderly men. Methods: Twenty elderly men aged 60-75 years were randomly divided into two groups, including aerobic exercise (n=10) and control (n=10). The aerobic exercise program was performed for eight weeks and three days a week. Blood samples are taken at rest 48 hours before the start of training and 48 hours after the last training session. Dependent t-test and analysis of covariance were used for intragroup and intergroup comparison. All statistical analyzes were performed by SPSS version 24 software at a significance level of 0.05. Results:Vitamin D levels (21.88±3.06 before training to 25.3±1.34 after training, P=0.000) and HDL (53.6±8.9 before training, 57.9±10.01 After the training, P = 0.016) in the HIIT group had a significant increase compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05), but LDL levels (116±23.5 before the training, 101.6±16.8 after the training), P=0.014) and triglyceride (162±29.6 before training, 143±10.07 after training, P=0.000) had a significant decrease compared to the control group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: based on the findings; In order to increase the serum levels of vitamin D and modify and adjust the lipid profile of serum vitamin D in elderly men, it is useful to use high intensity interval training (HIIT).