The Effect of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training on Hepatic Enzymes in Males With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease associated with inactivity and obesity. Physical activity and exercise could affect the risk of NAFLD progression by improving the hepatic lipid profiles. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combination of aerobic and resistance training on hepatic enzymes in males with NAFLD. The study was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two untrained males with NAFLD (aged = 32.93 ± 2.15 years, weight = 86.01.51 ± 8.40 kg) were recruited and randomly divided into equal experimental and control groups. The trained group took part in a combination aerobic and resistance training program for eight weeks (three times per week). The control group continued their routine life. The weight, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), HDL/LDL, TC/HDL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured before and after the protocol. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the training group had significant changes in weight, BMI, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, HDL/LDL, TC/ HDL, AST and ALT, whereas there was no significant change in HDL in NAFLD patients (P < 0.05). The results suggest that physical activity improves metabolic parameters, which interfere in the development of fatty liver and has a protective role against the development of NAFLD.