Adipokines modulation through exercise training: a comparative study of different training models in men with obesity

Background: Obesity is linked to dysregulation of adipokines and an increased risk of cardiometabolic issues. While various exercise modalities are recommended for managing obesity, their comparative effects on emerging adipokines are still unclear.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of 12-week Tabata, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the adipo-myokine landscape and metabolic health in men with obesity.

Methods: Forty-four participants living with obesity were randomly assigned to Tabata, HIIT, MICT, or control groups. Anthropometric, metabolic (lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar, insulin), and adipokine data were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Sidak post-hoc tests. Effect sizes (η²) were reported.

Results: All training modalities significantly improved lipid profiles (p < 0.05). Notably, high-intensity protocols (Tabata and HIIT) demonstrated superior efficacy in modulating the asprosin-spexin axis compared to MICT. Spexin and irisin levels significantly increased, while lipocalin-2 and asprosin decreased across the training groups, with the largest effect sizes observed in the Tabata and HIIT interventions (η² = 0.26–0.37). Furthermore, these improvements in adipo-myokine profiles occurred alongside significant reductions in fat mass, reinforcing the role of exercise intensity in metabolic regulation.

Conclusion: While all exercise models are beneficial, high-intensity strategies—particularly Tabata—provide a more potent and time-efficient stimulus for improving the adipokine profile and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals living with obesity. These findings advocate for the inclusion of high-intensity interval modalities in clinical weight management programs.