Effect of High Intensity Exercise Rehabilitation on Liver Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients With MASLD

Phase

N/A

Condition

Hormone Deficiencies

Stress

Weight Loss

Treatment

Combined aerobic + strength training

Combined strength + HIIT training

Clinical Study ID

NCT06359444

ONZ-2023-0453

Ages 18-75
All Genders

Study Summary

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, and is associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Physical activity and lifestyle interventions are among the most recommended treatments for individuals with MASLD.

In this RCT, we will evaluate the effect of combined exercise training "strength and aerobic training" versus "strength and high intensity training (HIIT)". The main outcome parameter is the severity of liver steatosis. Patients will be recruited at the fatty liver clinic of the UZ Gent.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed with MASLD by ultrasound, CAP and/or biopsy
Age between 18 and 75 years old
No significant liver fibrosis (Fibroscan < 7.5 kPa; if it is between >7.5 and <10,there must be absence of liver fibrosis in the biopsy)

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Presence of other liver diseases that may contribute to the clinical presentation inthe patient
Severe cardiovascular, orthopedic, physical or other illnesses that make itimpossible to participate in the study's exercise rehabilitation program or wheresafety cannot be guaranteed
Pregnancy
Pharmacological treatment that directly affects MASLD (e.g. GLP-1 analogues)
A change in medication in the last three months before the study that affectsmetabolic disease stability

Study Design

Combined aerobic + strength training

April 26, 2024

March 15, 2026

Study Description

Physical activity and lifestyle interventions, including exercise, are recommended for individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Weight loss has been found to improve MASLD histologically, but exercise alone can also reduce liver fat accumulation, even without significant weight loss. Exercise has positive effects on chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and mitochondrial function in MASLD patients. Studies suggest that both aerobic and resistance exercise are effective in reducing fat content and liver enzyme levels in MASLD, and thereby generate positive effects on insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk. The potential of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is large in various settings, but was never explored in this population. Moreover, the combination with strength training can have additional health effects which remain to be explored.

All subjects are recruited in the liver steatosis outpatient clinic of the university hospital in Ghent by the physicians and researchers of this study. After patient selection and obtaining informed consent, they will be screened in the rehabilitation center for cardiorespiratory fitness.

Connect with a study center

Ghent University Hospital
Ghent, 9000
Belgium
Active - Recruiting

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