It is aimed to investigate the responses of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4), which has been discovered as a novel biomarker of obesity and metabolic diseases, to regular exercise training. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic risk factors, body composition, and plasma FABP4 levels in sedentary obese adults.
Fatty acid binding proteins are intracellular proteins involved in the transport of fatty acids and are particularly associated with lipolytic activity. These proteins constitute a group of molecules that regulate intracellular lipid responses and are linked to metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Studies have shown that FABP4 is associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, obesity, and stroke. Inhibition of FABP4 synthesis has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of obesity-related conditions, particularly insulin resistance and diabetes, and it is emphasized that exercise models to suppress FABP4 should be further investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic risk factors, body composition, and plasma FABP4 levels in sedentary obese adults. Hypotheses: H01: HIIT has no effect on cardiometabolic risk factors in sedentary obese adults. H02: HIIT has no effect on body composition in sedentary obese adults. H03: HIIT has no effect on plasma FABP4 levels in sedentary obese adults.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
The exercises will be applied only to the intervention group for 12 weeks and will be progressively intensified every 4 weeks.
Eastern Mediterranean University
Famagusta, Cyprus
RECRUITINGFatty acid-bling protein 4
The Human FABP4 (Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4, Adipocyte) ELISA Kit/96T/Feiyuebio will be used to evaluate fatty acid-binding proteins in the biological samples collected from the participants.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Complete Blood Count
used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and many other diseases.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
used to measure the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months; commonly used in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Hematocrit (HCT)
sed to measure the proportion of red blood cells in the blood; helps evaluate conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and other blood disorders.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Low-Density Lipoprotein
used to measure the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood; high levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
High-Density Lipoprotein
Used to quantify the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream; elevated levels of HDL are inversely correlated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a protective effect on heart health.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Triglycerides
used to measure the concentration of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood; elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and other health conditions.
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Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG)
used to measure the concentration of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast; elevated levels may indicate impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes mellitus.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Total Cholesterol
used to measure the overall concentration of cholesterol in the blood, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL); elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Physical Activity Level Assessment
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form will be used. A validity and reliability study has been conducted in Turkish, with test-retest reliability determined to be r=0.69. This form is self-administered and consists of seven questions assessing physical activity levels over the 'last seven days.' It provides information on time spent sitting, walking, engaging in moderate-intensity activities, and vigorous-intensity activities. The score is calculated by multiplying the minutes, days, and MET values. For calculations, 8 MET is used for vigorous physical activity, 4 MET for moderate-intensity activity, and 3.3 MET for walking. Since the scale is openly accessible, no usage permission is required.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Physical activity level
1. High Activity Level: Individuals who engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity (≥8 METs) for at least 3 days per week, accumulating a total of at least 1500 MET-minutes/week, or individuals who engage in any combination of physical activities across 7 days, accumulating at least 3000 MET-minutes/week. 2. Moderate Activity Level: Individuals who perform vigorous-intensity activity for more than 20 minutes on at least 3 days per week, or moderate-intensity activity for more than 30 minutes on at least 5 days per week, or those who accumulate a total of at least 600 MET-minutes/week through any combination of physical activities. 3. Low Activity (Sedentary) Level: Individuals whose total physical activity is less than 600 MET-minutes/week are considered sedentary. This indicates minimal physical activity, primarily consisting of sitting, light movement, and a generally inactive lifestyle.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Assessment of Aerobic Capacity and Exercise Intensity - used to measure an individual's maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and determine the intensity of exercise
The Bruce Treadmill Test protocol will be used to determine aerobic capacity and exercise intensity. Developed by Robert A. Bruce, the Bruce Treadmill Test protocol is widely used today for non-invasive estimation of VO2max. The incline and speed are regularly increased to reach the maximum level that an individual can achieve. The test consists of 9 stages. Prior to the test, participants will receive the necessary information, and their resting blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation will be measured. At the end of each stage, an ECG measurement will be taken in addition to these measurements, and at the end of the test, all measurements will be repeated. The peak heart rate obtained at the end of the test will be considered the maximal heart rate. Additionally, the peak heart rate obtained will be used to determine the intensity of the exercise protocols.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Anthropometric Measurements
Height (m) will be assessed by tape
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Antropometric Measurement
Body weight (kg) will be assessed using a Body Fat Analyzer.
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12
Antropometric Measurement
body mass indeks (kg/m²) will be calculated
Time frame: Baseline, week 6 and week 12