The effects of 12-wk combined aerobic/resistance training on C-reactive protein (CRP) serum and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma in sedentary men

Abstract

Background : The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of combined training program on C-reactive protein (CRP) serum and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma concentrations in sedentary men. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty sedentary men (23±2 years) volunteers (with no history of regular exercise program, weight deviation more than 2 kg, special disease and smoking over the past 6 months) to normal Body mass index (BMI) (23±2 kg.m-2) were chosen randomly in two groups [control (C = 10), training (T = 10)] and performed combined training [Aerobic exercise: 60-70% of their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) for 20 min and resistance exercise: 2sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM)] 12-wk (3d.wk-1). Results: The results showed that CRP serum levels, waist to hip (W/H), and the body fat percentage in the T group were significantly lower than the C group (P<0/05). But BMI, IL-6 and body weight did not change in the both groups after the intervention period. Significant correlations in all subjects at baseline were observed between CRP to VO2 max (P=0.035 and r=-0.67) and the body fat percentage (P=0.018 and r=0.72) and also between BMI to body fat percentage (P=0.045 and r=0.64). Conclusion: It can be said that the performance of combined aerobic-resistance training decreases serum CRP in inactive males. The reduction of serum CRP associated with improvement of body fat percentage. Thus, physical activity should be considered as an integral part of every adult,s lifestyle.