Evaluation of the effectiveness of maximum fat oxidation (FATmax) exercises in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Us, B.T. (2024), Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Maximum Fat Oxidation (FATmax) Exercises in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Yeditepe University, Institute Of Health Science, Department of Pathophysiology, PhD Thesis, Istanbul Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder, begins with simple steatosis and can progress to cirrhosis. The pathophysiological basis of the disease is impaired lipid metabolism. The role of aerobic, resistance, and HIIT exercises in NAFLD treatment has been demonstrated by many studies, but the role of FATmax exercises is yet unknown. Motivational interviewing is a method commonly used for lifestyle changes. The objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the effectiveness of FATmax exercises in NAFLD treatment, to compare their efficacy with proven exercise methods, and also to contribute to the choice of the right exercise for the treatment. Materials and Methods: Volunteers divided into control, fatmax, HIIT, and resistance groups. Body composition analysis, anthropometric measurements, resting energy expenditure, muscle strength, balance tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were applied. Individual exercise prescriptions were given to the exercise groups and followed by motivational interview techniques. At the end of the study, liver ultrasound and biochemical analyses were performed on all volunteers. Results: HIIT exercises (1,8±0.79 vs. 0,8±0,92, p=0,0039) have been shown to significantly reduce hepatosteatosis. While HIIT exercises increase resting energy consumption (1535,58±340,39 vs. 1671,59±227,72, p=0,0043), resistance exercising reduces body fat ratio (33.88±5.34 vs. 30.58±4.96, p=0.0027). Conclusion: HIIT exercises may be recommended as the first option in treatment. It may also be useful to prescribe resistance exercises in patients targeted to reduce body fat. Further research is needed to prove the effectiveness of FATmax exercises in the treatment of NAFLD. Keywords: NAFLD, fatmax exercise, HIIT, resistance exercise, motivational interview The study was supported by the "Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye" (Project No: 321S51).