The Effect of High-intensity Interval Training vs Moderate-intensity Continuous Training on Liver Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver, is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Recent findings have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can reduce liver fat but it is unclear whether this form of exercise is sup...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 2022-02, Vol.107 (3), p.862-881
Main Authors: Sabag, Angelo, Barr, Loren, Armour, Mike, Armstrong, Alex, Baker, Callum J, Twigg, Stephen M, Chang, Dennis, Hackett, Daniel A, Keating, Shelley E, George, Jacob, Johnson, Nathan A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body Mass Index
Exercise therapy
Exercise Therapy - methods
High-Intensity Interval Training
Humans
Liver
Liver - pathology
Liver diseases
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - pathology
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - therapy
Treatment Outcome
Type 2 diabetes
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Summary:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver, is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Recent findings have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can reduce liver fat but it is unclear whether this form of exercise is superior to traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effect of HIIT vs MICT on liver fat in adults. A secondary aim was to investigate the interaction between total weekly exercise volume and exercise-related energy expenditure and change in liver fat. Relevant databases were searched up to December 2020 for randomized trials, comparing HIIT to control, MICT to control, or HIIT to MICT. Studies were excluded if they did not implement 2 or more weeks' intervention or assess liver fat using magnetic resonance-based techniques. Weighted mean differences and 95% CIs were calculated. Regression analyses were undertaken to determine the interaction between weekly exercise volume in minutes and kilocalories (kcal) with change in liver fat content. Of the 28 268 studies screened, 19 were included involving 745 participants. HIIT and MICT both elicited moderate reductions in liver fat content when compared to control (HIIT: -2.85%, 95% CI, -4.86 to -0.84, P = .005, I2 = 0%, n = 114, low-certainty evidence; MICT: -3.14%, 95% CI, -4.45 to -1.82, P 
ISSN:0021-972X
1945-7197
DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgab795