This is a research study about how short-term exercise intervention affects adolescents with a disease called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The study investigators want to learn more about the effect of a type of exercise on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and on markers of health (for example, liver, heart, and overall health) and how the body uses energy in teenagers. The exercise we are studying is called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Some participants in this study will receive a 4-week exercise program, and the others will not.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
The exercise we are studying is called high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Participants in the exercise group will participate in the exercise program. Each exercise session will last up to 1 hour. All exercise sessions will be directed and monitored by an experienced exercise trainer or exercise physiologist.
Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Arkansas Children's Pediatric Clinical Research Unit
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Intrahepatic Triglyceride (IHTG)
Intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) percent (%) will be measured via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). IHTG percent can theoretically range between 0 and 100. By definition, an individual has Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) when the IHTG percent is at or above 5 percent.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Cardiovascular Fitness
Cardiovascular fitness will be assessed via "peak oxygen uptake" (VO2 max). VO2 max is expressed as milliliters per body weight per minute in kilograms of lean body mass (mL/min/kg per LBM). There is no established normative data for VO2 max in pediatric population; however, higher values indicate better cardiovascular fitness.
Time frame: 4 weeks
HOMA-IR
The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) will be calculated using the fasting glucose and insulin levels. Higher HOMA-IR values indicate greater insulin resistance. HOMA-IR is calculated as "fasting insulin (microU/L) x fasting glucose (nmol/L)/22.5". HOMA-IR has an arbitrary unit. Higher numbers suggest worse outcomes.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Alanine Aminotransferase
Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level will be measured. ALT level is reported in international unit/liter or IU/L. Higher ALT levels suggest presence of hepatocellular damage.
Time frame: 4 weeks
FibroScan - Controlled Attenuated Parameter
Controlled Attenuated Parameter (CAP) score will be measured using FibroScan. CAP score is reported in decibel/meter (dB/m) and ranges between 100-400. A score of 241 dB/m or greater is consistent with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Time frame: 4 weeks
FibroScan - Transient Elastogram
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Transient Elastogram (TE) score will be measured using FibroScan. TE score is reported in kilopascals (kPa) and ranges between 0-75. A score of 8.5 kPa or greater is consistent with fibrotic liver disease.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Body Composition - Total Body Fat
Body composition will be measured using Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Normative data for total body fat is not established; however, larger total body fat percentage (percentage of total body weight) is linked to higher intrahepatic triglyceride content and insulin resistant state.
Time frame: 4 weeks