Moderate intensity continuous and interval training increased VEGF and decreased cholesterol levels in female rats high calorie diet

This study investigated the impact of moderate-intensity continuous training and moderate-intensity interval training on VEGF and cholesterol levels in female rats given high-calorie diet. The research was a randomized post-test with only a control group design. Thirty-two female rats were randomly assigned to four groups, P₁ (n=8, standard diet group), P₂ (n=8, high-calorie diet group), P₃ (n=8, combination high-calorie diet and moderate intensity continuous training), P₄ (n=8, combination high-calorie diet and moderate intensity interval training). The P₂,P₃,P₄ consisted of an ad libitum standard diet plus a dextrose solution for 4 weeks. The intervention group of P₃ underwent swimming plus 6% load of body weight for 10 minutes in first week, 20 minutes in second week, and 30 minutes in third and fourth week. The intervention group of P₄ underwent swimming with a ratio of 2:1 between swimming and rest time, plus 6% load of body weight, progressively increased each week. Cholesterol and VEGF levels were measured post-intervention. The mean cholesterol levels in both high-calorie diet group combined with MICT and MIIT were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to high-calorie diet group. The mean VEGF of high-calorie diet group combined with MICT was significantly higher (p = 0.025) compared to standard and high-calorie diet group, and high-calorie diet group combined with MIIT was significantly higher (p = 0.004) compared to high-calorie diet group. It can be concluded that both moderate-intensity continuous and interval training significantly increased VEGF and reduced cholesterol levels.