THE EFFECT OF ENDURANCE TRAINING AND HIIT CARDIO ON ADIPONECTIN GENE EXPRESSION, SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL VARIABLES, AND BODY MASS INDEX IN REGULAR MALE FUTSAL PLAYERS AGED 45–55 YEARS

Abstract

The research problem focused on the challenges faced by regular futsal athletes aged 45–55 who suffer from weight gain and increased levels of fat and cholesterol. These issues were attributed to their engagement in certain types of physical activity following intermittent breaks from training, which failed to yield the desired results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance and HIIT cardio training on the gene expression of the hormone adiponectin, blood glucose levels, the concentration of certain blood lipids and lipoproteins, and body mass index in regular futsal players within the specified age range.

The researchers hypothesized that endurance and HIIT cardio training would have an impact on adiponectin levels, blood glucose, lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, and body mass index in the study sample. The experiment was conducted on regular futsal players aged 45–55 years at the Physiology Laboratory and sports fields of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Al-Qadisiyah. Gene expressions of the adiponectin gene and biochemical variables were analyzed in the researcher's scientific laboratory.

The most significant conclusions of the study indicated that endurance and HIIT cardio training increased the gene expression of adiponectin, which in turn correlated with weight reduction in the sample. Furthermore, these training methods contributed to a decrease in harmful cholesterol levels (VLDL, LDL) and blood glucose, and an increase in beneficial cholesterol (HDL). The researchers recommended greater emphasis on structured endurance and HIIT cardio training for retired athletes to help maintain healthy body weight, ensure overall health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.