| Keywords |
Thermotherapy ; Irisin ; HbA1c ; Glucose ; Middle-aged ; Obesity |
| Abstract |
Irisin is a myokine that is thought to be secreted in response to exercise that may help to prevent obesity and maintain normal glucose metabolism. In this study we investigated the associations between irisin and glucose homeostasis in middle-aged, overweight and obese women after thermotherapy. The participants underwent 4 weeks of thermotherapy (half bath in hot water, 42±0.5°C, 15 times, 30min/time). Venous blood samples were obtained at Before and After thermotherapy. Compared to Before, Thermotherapy-induced significantly increased irisin levels in plasma (p<0.01). After thermotherapy significantly decreased blood glucose and HbA1c respectively (p<0.001, p<0.01). In addition, weight (p<0.01), waist size (p<0.001), (%) body fat (p<0.001), body surface area (p<0.01) were also significantly decreased and free fatty acid was significantly increased (p<0.05). In conclusion, 4-weeks of thermotherapy was effective in elevating plasma irisin and lowering blood glucose and HbA1c, in middle-aged, overweight and obese women. |