Investigating the Effect of Two Models of High-Intensity Interval on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Body Composition in Women with Vitamin D Deficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are very common and are closely related to structural and functional changes in the brain. Therefore, it is important to use efficient lifestyle methods to increase the health of the nervous system. Therefore, in this study, the effect of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) models on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and body composition in overweight women with vitamin D deficiency was compared. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 39 overweight women with low vitamin D status, selected through available sampling, were randomly assigned to control groups, resistance HIIT and running HIIT. Resistance HIIT consisted of three sets with an intensity of 80% of a maximum repetition with 2.5 min active recovery between the sets. Running HIIT was performed in 12x1-min running bouts at 80-90% HRmax interspersed with 1 min active recovery. The subjects trained 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and paired t-test (p<0.05). Results: 8 weeks of training led to a significant increase in the BDNF serum levels and decreased weight and body fat percentage in the experimental groups (p<0.001). Also, a significant difference was observed between the percentage changes in BDNF averages between the experimental groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: It seems that both types of resistance HIIT and HIIT running can improve the health of the central nervous system in overweight women with vitamin D deficiency by increasing BDNF levels; however, HIIT running was associated with stronger effects compared to resistance HIIT