Br Med Bull. 2026 Jan 2;157(1):ldag002. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldag002.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue secretes bioactive substances, adipokines, which affect cardiovascular health. The secretion of adinopectines is associated with decreases in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases risk-factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exerts beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health, but its effect on adipokines is unclear.
SOURCES OF DATA: This systematic review and meta-analysis, aimed to report the effects of HIIT on adiponectin levels in overweight and obese individuals, was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist.
AREAS OF AGREEMENT: HIIT training generally did not affect adiponectin levels in overweight and obese individuals. Most likely, this effect can result from the lack of weight loss of the subjects in some studies.
AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: One notable constraint within the scope of these investigations pertains to the relatively modest sample sizes employed. Consequently, future research endeavours should employ larger cohorts to enhance the generalizability of findings.
GROWING POINTS: HIIT focused on weight loss and fat percentage may effectively enhance the impact of HIIT on adiponectin levels.
AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Future research should implement rigorous dietary controls to isolate the independent effects of HIIT on adiponectin modulation.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42024580266.
PMID:41587299 | DOI:10.1093/bmb/ldag002