Role of Physical Activity in Modulating Inflammatory Biomarkers and Insulin Sensitivity Among Overweight Adults in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria

Background: Physical activity is an established modulator of systemic inflammation and insulin sensitivity, operating through mechanisms including myokine secretion, adipose tissue lipolysis, and AMP-activated protein kinase activation. Controlled exercise intervention studies examining inflammatory and metabolic physiological responses in Nigerian overweight adults are lacking, limiting the evidence base for exercise prescription in this population. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12-week structured moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programme on interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and insulin sensitivity indices among overweight adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Methods: Sixty overweight adults (body mass index 25 to 34.9) will be randomly allocated to an exercise intervention group (n=40) or a non-exercising control group (n=20). The intervention will involve three supervised 45-minute sessions per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Inflammatory biomarkers and insulin sensitivity by homeostatic model assessment will be measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Repeated measures ANOVA will assess within- and between-group changes. Expected Outcomes: The exercise group is anticipated to demonstrate significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance, with improvements correlating with adherence and fitness gain. Conclusion: Findings will establish evidence-based exercise prescriptions for metabolic inflammation management in Nigerian overweight adults. Keywords: physical activity, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, aerobic exercise, Abeokuta.