Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Training Program Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammatory Markers in a Pilot Study of Morbidly Obese Minority Teens

We initiated a, pilot study to investigate the effects of 8 wks of aerobic exercise training (ET) on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers in obese and insulin-resistant minority adolescents. Eleven morbidly obese (BMI 41.4 +/- 1.8 kg/m(2)) minority adolescents were entered into a supervised ET intervention (similar to 180 min/wk at 40-55%VO2PeakR [(VO2Peak-VO2Rest)/VO2Rest]). The effects of training on insulin sensitivity (S-I), inflammation and other metabolic syndrome features were examined. Results: Insulin action improved in response to training, as indicated by a 37% increase in S-I (p = .018). Plasma levels of several proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in response to ET, as indicated by significant decrements in sTNF-R, CCL2, MPO, IL-6, resistin, and leptin, with no significant changes in hsCRP. ET induced reductions in BMI and percent total body fat. Conclusions: The present study supports the efficacy of ET interventions on metabolic syndrome features in morbidly obese minority youth.