Investigating the effect of eight weeks of intense aerobic exercise (HIIT) on body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the nurses of Baqiyatallah Hospital

Introduction: With the change in the feeding patterns and modern life style, overweight and obesity have been increasing and so, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and premature death caused by it has increased. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of intense intermittent aerobic exercise on body mass index and fasting blood sugar in the nurses of Baqiyatallah Hospital. Methods: The current study was a semi-experimental and a randomized clinical trial study of three groups. The population of study included 30 nurses who were randomly divided into three groups of intermittent exercise type one (10), intermittent exercise type two (10) and control group (10). The height, weight and fasting blood sugar of all the subjects were measured before and after the study. SPSS version 22 software was used for statistical analysis and ANOVA (repeated measurement) was used for inferential data analysis. The p<0.05 was considered as significance difference. Results: 8 weeks of regular exercise activity resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar values ​​and a decrease in the BMI in two exercise groups (p<0.05). also, group one (mean fasting blood sugar before intervention 98±21, after intervention 90±11 and BMI before intervention 26.68±1.59, after intervention 25.30±0.09) and group two (mean fasting blood sugar before intervention 99±6.06, after intervention 96±13 and BMI before intervention 27.46±1.34, after intervention 26.27±0.08 ) had the greatest reduction in fasting blood sugar. Conclusion: In general, based on the findings of the present research, regular exercise programs with a certain intensity, which can be implemented at the workplace, will be effective in controlling weight and reducing fasting blood sugar in obese people, who have an increasing population.