Background and aim: The aim of this study was the comparison of two different interval and continuous exercise regimen on GH/IGF-1 axis function.
Methods and Materials: 36 inactive and overweight women were divided randomly in three 12 person groups as below: interval exercise training program (average age: 23.58±2.27 years old, BMI 30.60±0.33 kg/m2, fat percentage 35.59±0.33 percent), continuous exercise training program (average age: 25.41±2.84 years old, BMI 30.51±0.55 kg/m2, fat percentage 35.54±0.47 percent) and control group (average age: 22±2.4 years old, BMI 30.54±0.51 kg/m2, fat percentage 35.54±0.64 percent). Both exercise regimens consisted of running in 60-75 % MHR 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by using of paired t-test and one-way ANOVA test at P < 0/05.
Result: This study showed that in the interval and continuous groups, the levels of GH and IGF-1 serum increased significantly. The amount of body fat percent in both groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The changes of GH and BMI levels, and the percentage of body fat were significant in the post-test values of interval, continuous and control groups (p < 0.05), but it was not significant for IGF-1 levels.
Conclusion: The results of the research showed that continuous exercise increases the GH levels and leads to the adjustment of weight balance.
Keywords: growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, interval exercise, continuous exercise.