Short- and long-term effects of concurrent aerobic and resistance training on circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Concurrent training (CT) is emerging as a practical and effective approach to enhance body composition, cardiovascular function, and muscle mass, thereby elevating overall individual health. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of short- and long-term concurrent aerobic and resistance training on circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. Methodology The electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang Database, and Web of Science, were systematically searched for articles on “concurrent training” and “irisin” published from their inception to 30 November 2023. The pooled effect size was determined using standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study protocol received registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023494163). Results All nine studies, encompassing a total of 264 participants, were randomized controlled trials and met the eligibility criteria. Results indicate that short- and long-term concurrent training moderately increased circulating irisin levels compared to the control group (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.33–0.80], p = 0.00; I2 = 36.6%, heterogeneity p = 0.106). Subgroup analyses revealed that both equal to or less than 10 weeks (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI [0.18–1.37], p = 0.01; I2 = 62.3%, heterogeneity p = 0.03) and more than 10 weeks (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI [0.14–0.76], p = 0.00; I2 = 0%, heterogeneity p = 0.54) of concurrent training significantly increased circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. There were no significant between-group differences (I2 = 0%, p = 0.34). Additionally, concurrent training significantly increased irisin levels in overweight or obese participants (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI [0.34–1.78], p = 0.00; I2 = 50.6%, heterogeneity p = 0.13) and in type 2 diabetes patients (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.30–1.10], p = 0.00; I2 = 0%, heterogeneity p = 0.99). However, no significant effect was observed in patients with metabolic syndrome (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI [−0.25–0.68], p = 0.37; I2 = 38.7%, heterogeneity p = 0.18). There were significant between-group differences (I2 = 53.9%, p = 0.11). Lastly, concurrent training significantly increased circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals aged 45-60 years (SMD = 0.56, 95% CI [0.25–0.86], p = 0.00; I2 = 6.5%, heterogeneity p = 0.38), and a significant increase in irisin levels was observed 12 h post-intervention (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI [0.35–1.05], p = 0.00; I2 = 0%, heterogeneity p = 0.74). However, none of the above categorical variables showed significant between-group differences. Conclusions Short- and long-term concurrent training can effectively improve circulating irisin levels in overweight or obese individuals. However, the effects of short- and long-term concurrent training should consider the participants’ health status, age, and the timing of post-exercise measurements to maximize health benefits.