Effect of Regular Aerobic Training on Serum C-Reactive Protein and Il-6 Levels in Obese Women

Abstract

Objective: This study's objective was to evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) responses and performance changes in obese women after 8 weeks of aerobic training with an intensity of 50 to 60% of their individual maximum oxygen uptake (<(V)over dot>O-2). Methods: A total of 18 sedentary women with an average age of 44.3 (+/- 1.9) years volunteered for this study. Over a period of 8 weeks, in 4 40-minute sessions per week, the participants walked at an exercise intensity that caused their heart rates to increase to levels corresponding to 50 to 60% of their <(V)over dot>O-2 peaks. Blood samples were collected from the participants, both when they were at rest and a couple of minutes after the end of the 1st exercise session. Sampling was repeated in the 4th and 8th weeks, before and after the last training sessions. Results: The participants' body mass indices and weights decreased significantly by the end of the 8th week, while their maximum running speeds and <(V)over dot>O-2 peaks increased significantly. There were no differences in CRP or IL-6 concentrations between the pre- and post-training sessions, but most of the participants' IL-6 levels dropped below 10 pg/ml after 8 weeks of training. Conclusion: Although no significant changes were observed in CRP or IL-6 concentrations, it is important to note that in response to aerobic training, the IL-6 levels of most of the participants fell to what is generally considered acceptable.