The effect of different intensity circuit resistance training on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in obese men

Background: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in obese subjects, which leads to an increase of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different intensity circuit resistance training on levels of interleukin 1 beta and interleukin-10 in obese men. Methods: In a semi-experimental trial during May to August 2020, 44 obese men from Tehran city were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups including 1) control (n=11), 2) low-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11), 3) Moderate intensity circuit resistance training (n=11) and 4) High-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11). Resistance training was performed in different intensities including1) High-intensity circuit resistance training: three sets of 10 repetitions with 80% 1RM 2) Moderate intensity circuit resistance: three sets of 13 repetitions with 60% 1RM and 3) low-intensity circuit resistance training: three sets of 20 repetitions with 40% 1RM, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Also, the control group had their daily life during the 12-week research period and were prohibited from participating in regular exercise. Serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed with covariance analysis at P<0.05. Results: Twelve weeks of low, Moderate and high intensity circuit resistance training significantly decreased IL-1β levels (P=0.001) and increased IL-10 levels in obese men (P=0.001). The decrease of IL-1β was significant in the high-intensity training group compared to low intensity (P=0.009) and moderate-intensity training groups (P=0.046). Also, the increase in IL-10 levels was significant in the high-intensity training group compared to the low-intensity (P=0.002) and the moderate intensity training group compared to the low intensity training group (P=0.004). Conclusion: According to our findings, resistance training has a positive effect on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in obese men, and high-intensity circular resistance training had more benefits.