Comparative effects of two exercise training programs on health-related quality of life in middle-aged women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction: Insufficient research exists on the effectiveness of exercise therapy in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcome. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to moderate-intensity combined resistance and aerobic training (RT/AT) on HRQoL in NAFLD patients. Material and methods: Twenty-three middle-aged obese women with NAFLD were enrolled in 3-month exercise interventions of either HIIT (n1 = 12, 46.3 ± 5 years, 40.5 ± 4.1 kg/m 2) or moderate-intensity combined RT/AT (n2 = 11, 45.6 ± 4.4 years, 43.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2). Secondary hepatic steatosis, liver cirrhosis, or virus C hepatitis were excluded. HIIT was prescribed as 4 sets x 4 min at 80–85% HRmax with 3 min active recovery. Combined RT/AT was prescribed as 10 min low to moderate cycling exercises followed by 8 resistance exercises at 50–75% 1-RM. The outcomes were HRQoL, as assessed by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and the percentage of body weight change (% ∆BW). Results: CLDQ domains were significantly improved in both HIIT & RT/AT groups compared to baselines; the emotional function & worry domains and the total CLDQ score were significantly higher in the HIIT group (p < 0.05) compared to the other group. Body weight was reduced by 13% & 8% in HIIT and combined RT/AT groups, respectively, with a significant difference in the % ∆BW between the two groups in favor of HIIT. Conclusions: Both HIIT and moderate-intensity combined RT/AT could be suggested to improve the HRQoL and reduce body weight in middle-aged obese women with NAFLD, however, HIIT could be superior to the combined RT/AT in improving overall HRQoL, especially the emotional aspects, and reducing body weight.