Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Protective role of regular physical exercise against chronic metabolic and cardio-respiratory diseases has been attributed to its anti-inflammatory effects. Effect of strength training on adolescents’ inflammatory markers has less been studied. The purpose of this study was to survey the effect of strength training on CRP, TNF-α, muscular strength, and cardio -respiratory function in inactive adolescent girls.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, twenty four inactive adolescent girls were randomly assigned to two training (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. General characteristics of subjects and serum levels of inflammatory markers C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed before and after fourth and eighth weeks of training period. Strength training protocol was included eight weeks weight training. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA test.

Results: The ANOVA test was not statistically significant for body weight (p=0.089), body mass index (p=0.093), body fat percent (p=0.142), and serum concentrations of CRP (p=0.154) and TNF-α (p=0.287) and the values of these variables did not change after the training. Within-subject, between-subject, and interaction effects for chest press (p=0.047, p=0.023, p=0.016, respectively), semi-squat (p=0.011, p=0.037, p=0.049, respectively), and maximal oxygen uptake (p=0.030, p=0.031, p=0.042, respectively) were statistically significant and the values of these variables were increased at the end of the fourth week, and more, eighth week of training period.

Conclusion: Circulating levels of inflammatory markers didn’t change following strength training (four- and eight-week) in inactive adolescent girls probably due to lack of impact on body weight and body fat percent. However, the implementation of strength training to improve muscle strength and cardio-respiratory function is recommended for these patients.

Key words: Strength training, CRP, TNF-α, Girls, Adolescent, Inactive

Funding: This research was funded by both Islamic Azad University-Central Tehran Branch and corresponding author.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University-Baneh Branch approved the study.

How to cite this article: Vosoughi V, Moradi F, Aghaalinejad H, Peeri M. Effect of Strength Training on CRP, TNF-α, Muscular Strength, and Cardio-Respiratory Function in Inactive Adolescent Girls. J RafsanjanUniv Med Sci 2014 14(2): 85-98. [Farsi]