Effects of Combined Exercise Training on Osteocalcin, Body Weight, and Inflammatory Markers Among Pre-Obese Women

Background: Osteocalcin is a bone-related protein, recently found to correlate with body weight and metabolic syndrome in adult. Exercise stimulates bone remodeling and improves inflammatory markers, even without associated weight loss. The association between serum osteocalcin and physical activity has not been well characterized. Objective: This study assessed changes in osteocalcin and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factors) in healthy young women by 12-weeks of aerobic training. Methods: Convenience sample of 40 young women aged 17-24 years were recruited to participate in this randomized control study. Participants were randomized to either intervention (N=20) or control groups. (N-20) Participants undertaking the intervention completed three sessions per week of moderate intensity endurance and resistance exercise training for 12 weeks. The control group was instructed not to change their lifestyle. Osteocalcin bone gamma-carboxyglutamate, body mass index, and inflammatory function (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factors) were measured at baseline and 12-week. Results: The results showed that the 12-weeks of moderate aerobic training produced a significant improvement in serum osteocalcin, a significant decrease in inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factors). These advances are significantly negatively correlated with a decrease of body weight index. Conclusion: A Structured combined endurance and resistance exercise training exerts significant positive effects on osteocalcin and inflammatory markers that could aid in risk factor modification of obesity and overweight young women.