A Systematic Review of the Role of Exercise Training in Inducing Browning of Adipose Tissue

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd Branch, North Khorasan, Iran

10.22091/arsnes.2026.14406.1040

Abstract

Background and Aims: Brown adipose tissue (BAT), which plays an important role in energy expenditure and obesity prevention, is under the control of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Given that physical activity is a strong stimulator of the sympathetic nervous system, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different exercises on the activity and energy uptake of brown fat cells to clarify the role of exercise in this process.
Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in the Persian (Magiran, SID) and international (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar) databases for records published between 2013 and 2025. The search utilized the following keywords: High-Intensity Interval Training, Endurance Training, Resistance Training, Combined Training, Mind-Body Training, Brown Adipose Tissue, and Browning.
Results: From an initial screening of 150 studies, 32 were deemed eligible for inclusion. The analysis revealed that although endurance and high-intensity interval training promote a more rapid onset of adipose tissue browning, the positive and distinct roles of resistance and combined training are also strongly supported by the evidence.
Conclusion: Various exercise modalities, including endurance and high-intensity interval training, activate and enhance brown adipose tissue function through multiple mechanisms.

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 19 December 2025
  • First Publish Date: 22 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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