Comparison of the effects of traditional resistance training and high-intensity functional training on toll-like receptor 4, matrix metalloproteinase 9, interleukin 4, interferon-gamma, lipid profile, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity in overweight men

Comparison of the effects of eight weeks of traditional resistance training and high-intensity functional training on body composition, functional capacity, inflammatory markers (toll-like receptor 4, matrix metalloproteinase 9, interferon-gamma, interleukin-4), lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar in overweight men.

Randomized controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design, single-blind, phase 2, including 34 overweight male participants. Subjects were randomly allocated (using the RAND function in Excel) into three groups: Traditional Resistance Training (RT), High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), and control.

Study location: HealthLand Gym and Immunology Lab, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Study population: 34 overweight men; Blinding type: Single-blind; Blinding method: Assessor and analyst were blinded.

Inclusion criteria: Healthy males; aged between 25 and 35 years; body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m²; no engagement in regular exercise during the past 6 months. Exclusion criteria: Use of specific medications or supplements within the past 6 months; history of cardiovascular disease; smoking within the past 6 months; weight gain of more than 2 kg during the past 6 months.

Intervention group: High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) 3 weekly sessions for 8 weeks, functional high-intensity moves with 30s max effort and short rests. Intervention group: Traditional Resistance Training (RT) 3 weekly sessions for 8 weeks, 3 sets of 12 reps at 75% 1RM per session. Control group: No training, no intervention; only pre- and post-tests performed.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4); matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9); interferon gamma (IFN-γ); interleukin-4 (IL-4); fasting blood sugar; total cholesterol; HDL; LDL; body composition; functional capacity.

Randomization method and description: This study utilized simple randomization. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: traditional resistance training (RT), high-intensity functional training (HIFT), or control (CON). Unit of randomization: The unit of randomization was at the individual level. Stratified randomization layers: No stratified randomization was used. Randomization tool: The randomization sequence was generated using a random number table and G-Power statistical software. How the random sequence was created: The random allocation sequence was created by a researcher who was not involved in the intervention, using a random number table, and the participants were assigned accordingly. Allocation concealment: To prevent selection bias, allocation codes were sealed in opaque, sealed envelopes. The intervention supervisor was blinded to group assignments until the moment of allocation.

In this study, due to the nature of the interventions, participants were blinded to their group assignment and the primary aim of the intervention. Additionally, to minimize bias during data collection and analysis, biological sample collectors, laboratory analysts, and the data statistician were blinded to group allocations. Detailed description: Participants: Blinded to group assignment and the primary study hypothesis. Principal investigator and intervention supervisors: Aware of group allocations to manage the exercise sessions. Healthcare/sports personnel (trainers/supervisors): Not blinded. Sample collectors and laboratory staff: Blinded to group assignments. Data analyst/statistician: Analyzed coded data without knowledge of group allocation. Manuscript authors: Informed of group assignments only after the completion of data collection. Accordingly, the study is classified as a Single-blind study.

Data related to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL), and body composition of participants. Details: The individual data includes laboratory results and physical measurements (using standard devices). All data will be shared after de-identifying the participants (removal of names and identifying information). Data related to primary outcomes (inflammatory markers and lipid profile) will be available for sharing. Only personal identifiable data or confidential information will be excluded from sharing.

Access to the data will start six months after the publication of the study results. The access period will continue for three years after the starting date.

The data will be available only to researchers affiliated with academic and research institutions who submit an official request. Individuals working in industry or private companies will not have access to the data.

The data may only be used for scientific and research analyses. Commercial use or publication without prior written permission is prohibited. Applicants must submit an official request including a description of the research purpose and the intended analyses. A confidentiality agreement must be signed by the applicants. Access will be granted only after approval by the research committee.

Applicants must contact Dr. Fatemeh Shabkhiz exclusively to request access to the data. All requests must be formally submitted via email to: fatemeh.shabkhiz@ut.ac.ir For postal correspondence, requests should be sent to: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, North Kargar Street, above Jalal Al-Ahmad intersection, between 15th and 16th Streets, opposite the University of Tehran dormitory, Tehran, Postal Code: 1417466191.

After submitting a formal request to Dr. Fatemeh Shabkhiz, the request will be reviewed within 10 working days. If approved by the research committee, the applicant must sign a data confidentiality agreement. After signing the agreement, the data will be provided to the applicant within a maximum of 15 working days. If the request is rejected, the reason for rejection will be formally communicated to the applicant.