Aims: Apelin is an adipokine, which secreted from adipose tissue and has positive effects against the insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic exercise on levels of apelin and insulin resistance index in sedentary men.

Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study with controlled group pre/post-test design in 2015, 27 healthy sedentary men living in Mashhad City, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling method. They were divided into two groups; experimental group (n=14) and control group (n=13). In the trained group, the volunteers participated in 8 weeks aerobic exercise, 3 days/week (equivalent to 75-85% of maximum oxygen consumption) for 60 minutes per session. The research variables were assessed before and after the intervention in both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software using paired and independent sample T tests.

Findings: 8-week aerobic exercise significantly decreased the weight, BMI and apelin, insulin and insulin resistance index levels and increased the maximum oxygen consumption in experimental group sedentary men (p<0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences in levels of FBS, insulin, apelin, insulin resistance index and maximum oxygen consumption between experimental and control groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: 8-week aerobic exercise reduces apelin levels and insulin resistance index in sedentary men.