The effect of strength training on IL-6 levels and muscle fitness: an empirical study on sedentary adolescents

Authors

  • Yanuar Alfan Triardhana Department of Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • I Dewa Made Aryananda Wijaya Kusuma Universitas Negeri Surabaya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4939-7294
  • Bayu Agung Pramono Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Shery Iris Zalillah Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Dewangga Yudhistira Universitas Negeri Surabaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v69.116177

Keywords:

Strength training, interleukin-6, muscular fitness

Abstract

Introduction: The global rise in sedentary lifestyles among urban adolescents increases inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreases physical fitness, necessitating effective interventions.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of strength training on IL-6 levels and muscular fitness in sedentary urban male adolescents.

Methods: 30 male adolescents (17–20 years, 65–80 kg, 164–175 cm) participated in a pre-test-post-test control group. The treatment group participated in an 8-week strength training program (3 sessions/week, 80% 1RM, 8 repetitions, 5 sets). IL-6 levels were measured using an ELISA kit and muscular fitness was assessed using dumbbell squat tests. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests with SPSS version 25.

Results: The treatment group showed a significant IL-6 reduction (p=0.027, mean difference=7.196) and improved muscular fitness (p=0.010, mean increase=4.5). The control group showed an increased IL-6 level (p=0.001, mean difference=4.835) and low muscular fitness improvement (p=0.001, mean difference=1.6).

Discussion: Strength training effectively reduces inflammation and enhances fitness, consistent with prior exercise research.

Conclusion: Structured strength training significantly improves IL-6 levels and muscular fitness, supporting its role in addressing adolescent sedentarism.

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Published

2025-07-06

How to Cite

Triardhana, Y. A., Kusuma, I. D. M. A. W., Pramono, B. A., Zalillah, S. I., & Yudhistira, D. (2025). The effect of strength training on IL-6 levels and muscle fitness: an empirical study on sedentary adolescents. Retos, 69, 955–962. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v69.116177

Issue

Vol. 69 (2025)

Section

Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Yanuar Alfan Triardhana, I Dewa Made Aryananda Wijaya Kusuma, Bayu Agung Pramono; Shery Iris Zalillah; Dewangga Yudhistira

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