Effect of High-Intensity Interval and Resistance Training on TNF-α Concentrations in Healthy Adolescent Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity regular exercise in reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations in adolescent males.
Methods and Materials: This randomized controlled study involved 33 adolescent males (mean age: 19.82 ± 1.79 years; BMI: 21.11 ± 1.17 kg/m²; VO₂max: 48.97 ± 4.97 mL/kg/min) with good fitness levels. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups: high-intensity resistance training (HIRT, n = 11), high-intensity interval training (HIIT, n = 11), and control (n = 11). Interventions were performed three times weekly for four weeks. Serum TNF-α concentrations were assessed pre- and post-intervention using ELISA. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Kruskal-Wallis Test (α = 0.05).
Findings: Both HIRT and HIIT groups showed statistically significant reductions in TNF-α concentrations: HIRT (mean reduction = 2.13 pg/mL, p = 0.003; effect size = 2.94), HIIT (mean reduction = 1.06 pg/mL, p = 0.003; effect size = 1.20). No significant change was observed in the control group (p > 0.05). Between-group differences were also significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Both HIRT and HIIT reduced TNF-α concentrations in adolescent males, with HIIT producing greater relative improvements. Although causality cannot be firmly established due to the short duration, these findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may be a promising strategy to reduce inflammation and support metabolic health from adolescent males.
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