Acute Sprint Interval Exercise Induces a Greater FGF-21 Response in Comparison to Work-Matched Continuous Exercise

Sprint interval training (SIT) has been associated with substantial reductions in body fat. Recent evidence suggests that myokines (small protein compounds produced in muscle) may promote the fat loss with SIT. The purpose of this project was to compare the plasma accumulation of three myokines (IL-15, Irisin and FGF-21) with sprint interval exercise (SIE) vs work-matched continuous exercise (CE). Nine male subjects completed an acute SIE session consisting of four-30 second sprinting bouts and a work-matched continuous exercise trial. FGF-21 was significantly elevated 30 min post sprint and was significantly elevated when compared to continuous exercise (P=0.04). The findings suggest FGF-21 may be related to regulation of lipolysis after exercise