Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The effect of functional training and combined aerobic-resistance training on inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, and cathepsin S and metabolic health factors in overweight adults

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Ahmad Arbabi 1
Abdolhossein Taheri Kalani 2
Rezvane Galdavi 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Il.C., Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran
3 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i873.2004
Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of obesity and its metabolic complications necessitates a focus on efficient training modalities. This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of Functional Training (FT) versus Concurrent Aerobic-Resistance Training (CART) on inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, Cathepsin S) and metabolic factors (body fat percentage, total cholesterol, fasting glucose) in overweight adults.
Methods: This quasi-experimental, randomized clinical trial involved 30 volunteers (aged 30–45) randomly assigned to FT or CART groups. Both groups trained 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples and body composition indices were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (2×2).
Findings: Both training protocols significantly reduced all inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, Cathepsin S) and metabolic variables (body fat percentage, total cholesterol, fasting glucose) (P < 0.05). In the between-group comparison, a significant superiority was observed in total cholesterol reduction for the FT group (P = 0.047), while no significant differences were found between the two protocols for other factors.
Conclusion: Both functional and concurrent training modalities are effective strategies for mitigating chronic inflammation and improving metabolic status. However, given its greater efficacy in reducing total cholesterol within the same timeframe, functional training may serve as a more time-efficient alternative to traditional protocols in health-based programs for managing dyslipidemia.

Highlights

 Ahmad Arbabi: PubMed, Google Scholar

Keywords
Functional Training
Concurrent Training
Cathepsin S
Inflammation
Over weight
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 873
Sports Medicine, Especial Issue
September and October 2026
Pages 2004-2014

  • Receive Date 21 July 2026
  • Revise Date 06 September 2026
  • Accept Date 08 September 2026