Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an aerobic exercise on serum level of liver enzymes and liver echogenicity in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has different prevalence in various parts of the world. Obesity and low physical activity are main risk factors for the development of NAFLD.

Patients and methods: Ninety patients diagnosed by ultrasound as NAFLD was evaluated in a clinical trial as case (A) and control groups (B). The effect of aerobic exercise on changing in liver enzymes and liver echogenicity was assessed in cases compared with control group which were only on medical therapy.

Results: The mean age in the sample group was 37.6±8.3 in the 17-56 yrs age range. In group A, fatty liver was in stage I in 26 (57.8%) cases, stage II in 17 (37.8%), and stage III in 2 (4.4%). In group B, fatty liver was in stage I in 30 (66.7%) patients, in stage II in 14 (31.1%) and stage III in 1 (2.2%). After an aerobic exercise, serum level of liver enzymes and liver echogenicity in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease was significant improved in case group (ALT (P= 0.0001), AST (P=0.01).

Conclusion: Considering the present study, we can suggest that a controlled aerobic exercise schedule can be helpful in the association of medical therapy in the treatment of NAFLD.