The effect of a 16-week endurance training program on spontaneous 12-hour overnight growth hormone secretion was examined in 34 adults with the metabolic syndrome. Individuals were randomized to a control group (no exercise), to a group with low-intensity exercise training and to a group with high-intensity exercise training. Both exercise training groups increased nocturnal growth hormone area under the curve (by 49%, p<0.05 for low-intensity group and by 65%, p<0.01 for high-intensity group) which were different from the control group (p<0.01). Changes in nocturnal growth hormone area under the curve were associated with change in fat mass but not with changes in intra-abdominal (visceral) fat. Thus, exercise training in abdominally obese adults with the metabolic syndrome generates increases in spontaneous nocturnal growth hormone levels.
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