High-Intensity Interval Training Effects with Genistein on Serum Osteocalcin and Bone Alkaline Phosphatase in Female Elderly Rats

Introduction: Exercise and nutrition can be two factors influencing bone metabolism in old age. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with genistein (Ge) on serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in female elderly rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 elderly female rats with a mean age of 18- 24 months and mean weight of 220.15 ± 15.28 g were divided into five groups of eight rats including 1) control (C), 2) sham (Sh), 3) HIIT, 4) HIIT+Ge, and 5) Ge. During eight weeks, groups 3 and 4 performed HIIT for three sessions per week with an intensity of 90- 95% of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in high-intensity intervals and 40- 45% of VO2max in low-intensity intervals as well as groups 4 and 5 received 60 mg/kg/day Ge peritoneally. OCN and BALP were measured by the ELISA method. Results: HIIT significantly increased BALP (P=0.001) and OCN (P=0.04); Ge and HIIT + Ge significantly increased BALP (P=0.001); although Ge had a more favorable effect on increasing BALP compared to HIIT (P=0.001) HIIT had a more favorable effect on increasing OCN compare to Ge (P=0.008). Conclusion: Although HIIT simultaneously with Ge consumption can increase serum BALP levels in female elderly rats the effects of HIIT and Ge alone on BALP and OCN are different from each other.