Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Bandar Abbas Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Abstract
Objective: Childhood obesity is associated with metabolic disturbances, particularly insulin resistance and altered secretion of metabolic peptides. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week soccer training program on serum spexin levels and the McAuley index in inactive obese boys. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, Twenty-eight inactive obese boys aged 12–14 years were randomly assigned to a soccer training group (n=14) or a control group (n=14). The training group participated in supervised soccer sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess serum spexin, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels. The McAuley index was calculated using fasting insulin and triglyceride values. Paired- and independent-sample t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: Serum spexin levels increased significantly in the training group (p=0.001), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p=0.621). The McAuley index showed a significant improvement in the training group (p=0.003). Additionally, fasting insulin (p=0.002) and triglyceride levels (p=0.004) decreased significantly following the intervention. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in post-test spexin (p=0.002) and McAuley index values (p=0.004). Conclusion: Twelve weeks of soccer training significantly improved serum spexin levels and insulin sensitivity in inactive obese boys, suggesting soccer training as an effective strategy for improving metabolic health in this population.
Main Subjects
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