Background: High intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit resistance training (CRT) have been introduced as useful strategies for weight management in overweight and obese individuals. However, little is known about their effects on inducing anti-inflammatory cytokine response, and improving body composition and metabolic profile (lipid profile and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR)) in overweight adolescents. Objectives: This study aimed at examining the effects of HIIT and CRT on serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), lipid profile, body composition and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in overweight male adolescents. Methods: Twenty overweight male adolescents were divided into two groups of HIIT and CRT. The blood samples were drawn from all participants before the beginning of exercise protocols and after one day the last session of the exercise protocols. Results: Following 6 weeks of both HIIT and CRT protocols, serum levels of IL-10 increased insignificantly in both groups (P > 0.05). However, that of IL-10 showed a much more increase in HIIT group. Furthermore, unlike CRT protocol, six weeks of HIIT improved body composition, lipid profile and HOMA-IR in overweight male adolescents. Conclusions: By this study, it seems that HIIT has more potent impact than CRT on inducing an anti-inflammatory cytokine response. Moreover, HIIT is a more appropriate exercise modality than CRT to improve body composition and metabolic profile (lipid profile and HOMA-IR) in overweight male adolescents.
