Effect of eight-week aerobic and periodic exercises on IGF-1 and lipid profile in elderly men

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Increasing of lipid profile and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is one of the main risk factors in old age. Increase or decrease of IGF-1 can play an important role in strengthening or weakening the function of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight-week aerobic and periodic exercises on IGF-1 and lipid profile in elderly men. METHODS: Totally, the 30 healthy elderly men aged 55-70 years old were randomly divided into three groups. They exercised for eight weeks based on their exercise program (high intensity of interval training twice a session for ten minutes: 15 seconds of activity with 100% maximal power output and 15 seconds of inactive rest, and continuous training: 20-25 minutes of long exercise with moderate intensity). Blood samples were collected to evaluate the IGF-1 and lipid profile. Data were analyzed using one-way variance analysis and Tukey's post hoc test to determine the difference. All statistical analyses were performed at P≤0.05. FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that IGF-1 had a significant decrease in both exercise groups in comparison with the control group (p0/05). Likewise, the aerobic and periodic exercises led to a significant decrease in levels of LDL and TG and a significant increase in HDL levels (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, eight weeks of aerobic and periodic exercises have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular function and prevent atherosclerosis due to reducing IGF-1, LDL and TG and increasing HDL