Exercise-Induced Alterations in Irisin and Osteocalcin Levels: A Comparative Analysis Across Different Training Modalities

Abstract

Background: Physical activity significantly influences physiological biomarkers, including irisin and osteocalcin, which are pivotal for metabolic and bone health. Understanding the differential impacts of various exercise modalities on these biomarkers is essential for optimizing health benefits.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effects of endurance training and high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on the levels of irisin and osteocalcin and determine which exercise modality more effectively influences these health-related biomarkers.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences in Andhra Pradesh, India, where 100 healthy male participants aged between 21 and 35 were recruited. These participants, who were not regularly active and had no metabolic or bone diseases, were divided into two groups to undergo an eight-week training from March to April 2022. One group participated in endurance training involving running and cycling, while the other engaged in HIRT, both targeting a heart rate set at 75% of the maximum. Baseline and follow-up measurements of irisin and osteocalcin were taken before and after the training using blood samples collected after fasting. The study used paired t-tests to analyze changes in biomarker levels, and Pearson correlation coefficients to explore the relationship between the biomarkers, with results processed using statistical software and presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results: Post-intervention, both exercise groups showed significant increases in irisin and a modest increase in osteocalcin levels. The HIRT group exhibited a higher increase in irisin levels (+119.33 pg/mL, p<0.015) compared to the endurance group (+108.32 pg/mL, p<0.023). Similarly, osteocalcin levels increased modestly in both groups, with the HIRT group showing a higher mean difference (+0.75 pg/mL, p<0.001) than the endurance group (+0.70 pg/mL). The study also found a link between changes in irisin and osteocalcin levels. This link was stronger in the HIRT group (r = +0.22; p < 0.039) than in the endurance group (r = +0.20; p < 0.038).

Conclusion: Both endurance and high-intensity resistance training are effective in enhancing metabolic and bone health, evidenced by increases in irisin and osteocalcin levels. Although the differences in mean values suggest that HIRT may have a marginal advantage in boosting these biomarkers, confirming the statistical significance of this difference is essential. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to assess their long-term impacts on health and disease prevention.