Moderate-Intensity Aerobic vs Resistance Exercise and Dietary Modification in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: This randomized trial aimed to compare the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic vs resistance exercise with dietary modification in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 12-week supervised training program of moderate-intensity aerobic or resistance exercise with dietary intervention consisting of monthly individual nutritional counseling by a dietician. Transient elastography, anthropometry, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, biochemistries, and glucose tolerance were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects exercised for an average of 3.35 ± 0.30 sessions a week in the aerobic group, and 17 subjects exercised an average of 3.39 ± 0.28 sessions a week in the resistance group. After completion of the training program, hepatic fat content was similarly reduced in both groups (P < 0.001). The mean relative reduction from baseline in the aerobic group was −10.3% (95% confidence interval −18.2 to −2.40) and the resistance group was −12.6% (−20.5 to −4.69). Liver steatosis (defined as controlled attenuation parameter >248 dB/m) disappeared in 9 (50%) of the aerobic group and in 9 (53%) of the resistance group. Whole-body and muscle insulin sensitivity indexes were improved, and waist circumference was reduced comparably in both exercise groups. The number of exercise sessions per week was correlated with the absolute reduction in hepatic fat content (r = 0.52; P = 0.001). Weekly exercise training ≥3 sessions substantially attenuates liver fat accumulation independent of weight loss. DISCUSSION: Moderate-intensity aerobic training and resistance training with dietary modification are equally effective for reducing intrahepatic fat and improving underlying insulin resistance among patients with NAFLD.