The Effect of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on IL18, IL6, and B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Concentrations in Operational Male Firefighters.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Baghdad, Mustansiriyah University

10.22038/jpsr.2025.86133.2685

Abstract

Purpose:
Firefighting is known to be a very high-risk occupation due to its dangerous and difficult characteristics. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity aerobic training on IL18, IL6, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in operational male firefighters. IL18 and IL6 are inflammatory cytokines that play a role in immune responses. BNP is also known as a marker of heart failure that is secreted in response to excessive strain on heart muscle cells, and there is a relationship between inflammation and heart problems in chronic diseases.
Methods:
The present study is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design. In this study, 48 male firefighters were selected purposively and conveniently and were randomly and equally divided into two groups (n=24): control and high-intensity aerobic training groups. The training program included a 15-minute warm-up at a slow pace and 30-second interval running at 100% intensity in the first and second weeks, which increased to 150-200% of heart rate reserve in the seventh and eighth weeks. Data analysis was evaluated using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) method and the equivalent nonparametric test, Quade Nonparametric ANCOVA. The tests were performed at a 5% error level and using a SPSS version 27.
Results:
The results showed that HIIT training had a significant effect on the concentration of IL18 (p<0.001, η2=0.58), IL6 (p<0.001, η2=0.43), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (p<0.001, η2=0.48). The concentration of IL18, IL6, and BNP decreased significantly as a result of high-intensity aerobic training.
Conclusion:
High-intensity aerobic training has been shown to reduce IL18, IL6, and BNP concentrations. It has been suggested that high-intensity aerobic training improves the physiological performance of firefighters.

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