Introduction: Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) plays an important role in promoting the obesity related disorders including insulin resistance. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on the levels of CT-1 and insulin resistance in women with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six  women (average age of 46.95±3.49 years old, average weight of 79.5±5.7 kg) with type 2 diabetes randomly assigned in three equal groups including HIIT, MICT and control groups. Both training program conducted for 12 weeks and three session per week. Blood samples collected before and after intervention and serum levels of CT-1 and insulin were measured by ELISA method.
Results: Between group analysis indicated a significant decrease of CT-1 levels in HIIT (P=0.002) and MICT (P=0.016) groups compared to control group, but no significant difference observed between HIIT and MICT groups (P=1.000). Paired t test analysis indicated that serum levels of CT-1 significantly decreased in both HIIT and MICT groups (P<0.001). Moreover, insulin resistance significantly decreased in HIIT and MICT groups compared to control group (P<0.001). Intragroup analysis indicated a significant decrease of insulin resistance in HIIT and MICT groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that, positive effects of HIIT and MICT protocols including improvement the insulin resistance are exerted by decreased the serum levels of CT-1. In addition, HIIT was no superior compared to MICT for observed changes in CT-1 levels and insulin resistance.