The Effect of Eight Weeks of Moderate Intensity Continuous Training and High Intensity Interval Training along with Citrus Aurantium on Bone Metabolic Markers in Elderly Female Rats

Introduction: Controlling nutrition and exercise can affect the density and metabolism of bone tissue. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) along with Citrus aurantium (CA) on bone metabolic markers in elderly female rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 64 elderly female rats (14 ± 2 months old and weight of 290 ± 25 grams) were divided into 7 groups including 1) control, 2) MICT, 3) HIIT, 4) MICT+CA, 5) HIIT+CA, 6) CA and 7) sham (normal saline) groups. HIIT with an intensity of 85- 110% VO2max and MICT with an intensity of 65% VO2max were performed and CA was injected at the doses of 300 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally. The variables were measured using the ELISA method with the Pars Azmoun kit. The data of the present research were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (P≤0.05). Results: In MICT group the PTH and Na levels were significantly lower and Ca levels were higher than the C group (P≤0.05). PTH and Na levels in the MICT group were lower than the HIIT group (P≤0.05). Ca levels in the CA group were higher than the C group (P≤0.05). In MICT+CA and HIIT+CA groups, PTH levels were lower and Ca levels were higher than the C group (P≤0.05). Also, PTH and Na levels in HIIT+CA group were lower than the MICT+CA group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: it seems that MICT has a better effect on bone metabolic markers than HIIT; meanwhile, HIIT with an antioxidant such as CA has more favorable effect on bone metabolic markers.