Exercise in the Management of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Adults: A Position Statement from Exercise and Sport Science Australia

AbstractMetabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting 25% of people globally and up to 80% of people with obesity. MAFLD is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver (hepatic steatosis) with varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. MAFLD is strongly linked with cardiometabolic disease and lifestyle-related cancers, in addition to heightened liver-related morbidity and mortality. This position statement examines evidence for exercise in the management of MAFLD and describes the role of the exercise professional in the context of the multi-disciplinary care team. The purpose of these guidelines is to equip the exercise professional with a broad understanding of the pathophysiological underpinnings of MAFLD, how it is diagnosed and managed in clinical practice, and to provide evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for exercise therapy in MAFLD management. The majority of research evidence indicates that 150 –240 min per week of at least moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can reduce hepatic steatosis by ~ 2–4% (absolute reduction), but as little as 135 min/week has been shown to be effective. While emerging evidence shows that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) approaches may provide com parable benefit on hepatic steatosis, there does not appear to be an intensity-dependent benefit, as long as the recommended exercise volume is achieved. This dose of exercise is likely to also re...
Source: Sports Medicine - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research