Abstract

       Background and Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disorder and is also currently considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Regular exercise training may decrease fatty liver disease complications, although its impact is not yet clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of aerobic training on liver enzymes and other factors contributing to metabolic syndrome in young inactive women.

       Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 37 inactive overweight women were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental one participated in a controlled aerobic training program (5-minute interval walking) at 65-90% maximum heart rate for 6 weeks, 45-90 minutes per session and 4 sessions per week. Blood samples were taken following 12 hours of fasting, both before and after the training program.

       Results: The levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase decreased in both groups. Alanine aminotransferase level, weight and waist circumference were significantly decreased in the experimental group following the 6-week exercise training (P<0.05). High-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly increased in both groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase level was decreased in the experimental group, but increased in the control group. The results showed no significant difference in the basic profile of participants, liver enzymes concentration and lipid profile between the experimental and control group.

        Conclusion: Six weeks of aerobic training may help prevent hepatic damage through decreasing serum levels of liver enzymes, anthropometric factors and some metabolic syndrome factors associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

        Keywords: Fatty liver, Aerobic training, Metabolic syndrome, Liver enzyme.