Effect of physical activity on central fat mass and related proteins
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of an exercise-induced alteration of the ghrelin axis and its implications in prediabetes.
IRAS ID
288904
Contact name
Rachel Churm
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of metabolic stress due to increased abdominal fat storage and reduced cardiovascular protection in which oestrogen would normally protect them from. In addition, physical inactivity in these women can further contribute to these complications, increasing their risk of obesity and progression of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Public health guidelines recommend regular physical activity of moderate intensity of at least 150 minutes per week to prevent or delay the onset of T2D. However, barriers to physical activity including time has shown to inhibit people from meeting the recommendations.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a form of exercise that involves repeated short periods of fast and intense exercise, followed by period of recovery. Studies have shown that HIIT provides greater reduction in insulin resistance and body fat than moderate intensity training. Since HIIT requires less time spent on exercising, it has been an alternative treatment strategy for patients at high risk of T2D.
The way our body stores fat can be linked to poor control of blood sugar levels and can cause prediabetes. Previous work has shown that a stomach protein known as ghrelin, plays a role in fat storage and blood sugar control. We propose an 8-week home-based HIIT exercise protocol that participants will be involved in. The aim of this project is to look at how HIIT exercise can change the way our body stores its fat to promote a healthy benefit within these women. In addition, we will also gain insight on the role exercise has on the relationship between the ghrelin axis and fat storage in the prevention of T2D progression.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0045
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion