THE EFFECT OF A PERIOD OF AEROBIC EXERCISE WITH LOW INTENSITY ON ADROPIN LEVELS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE INDEX IN OBESE SEDENTARY ADOLESCENT BOYS

Background: Adropin is a peptide hormone playing a role in energy homeostasis and prevention of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise with low intensity on serum adropin levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in obese sedentary adolescent boys. Methods: This study was carried out in a quasi-experimental design. 26 obese adolescent boys were recruited (Mean ± SD: 13.4±0.81 yr; weight: 85.44±8.51kg) and were randomly assigned into two groups: aerobic exercise and control group. The training group performed running with intensity of 50-65% of maximal heart rate, three times a week for 10 weeks. Before and after intervention, blood sampling for measurement of serum adropin, fasting insulin and glucose was carried out. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and independent t-test at significant levels of P≤0.05. Results: Weight (P=0.001) and body fat percent (P=0.017) showed significant reduction in aerobic group in posttest compared to pretest and control group. Serum adropin levels were increased significantly in aerobic exercise group compared to pretest and control group (P=0.0001). Significant correlation was seen between changes of adropin with changes of weight, body fat percent and HOMA-IR (P≤0.05). Conclusion: According to the relationship between adropin with body composition and insulin resistance and also, its influence from aerobic exercise, adropin may play a special role in weight and obesity management.