Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Professor at Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
2 MSc of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
3 Ph.D. Student in Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Aim: Overweight and obesity are major global health concerns, associated with increased risks of various chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy (1). These conditions contribute to elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, which can result in significant cellular damage (3). The body’s antioxidant defense system—particularly total antioxidant capacity (TAC)—plays a crucial role in counteracting such damage. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a potent ROS, serves as a reliable marker of oxidative stress (4, 6).
In recent years, the use of herbal supplements, such as spirulina, alongside regular physical activity has been recommended to reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich microalga, is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical-scavenging properties, making it an effective supplement (8, 9). High-intensity interval training (HIIT), known for its time efficiency and its broad metabolic and physiological benefits, has grown in popularity. However, the intense nature of HIIT may also lead to increased ROS production, highlighting the need for antioxidant support to minimize potential oxidative damage (16).
Despite the theoretical advantages of combining antioxidant supplementation with high-intensity exercise, limited research has examined the combined effects of HIIT and spirulina on oxidative and antioxidant markers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of HIIT and spirulina supplementation on serum levels of H₂O₂ and TAC in overweight and obese adolescent girls. The objective was to reduce oxidative stress-induced tissue damage and improve body composition in this population.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test and post-test design. The study population consisted of overweight and obese girls (BMI: 25–35 kg/m²) residing in Khorameh, Iran. Thirty participants (mean age: 26.3 ± 12.3 years; mean weight: 75.29 ± 10.0 kg) were perposfully selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 10: control, exercise + supplement, and exercise + placebo. Inclusion criteria included an age range of 22–30 years, no regular physical activity in the past six months, no antioxidant supplement use, and no chronic diseases. Exclusion criteria included unwillingness to continue, irregular attendance, or musculoskeletal injuries during the intervention.
Anthropometric variables (weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) were measured before and 24 hours after the intervention. Weight was assessed using a digital scale, height with a stadiometer, and body fat percentage was estimated using a Harpenden caliper and the Jackson-Pollock formula. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) was assessed using the Queen’s step test and its associated formula (18, 19).
Participants in the exercise groups completed a six-week HIIT program, conducted three times per week. The protocol involved sprinting at 90% of maximum heart rate over a 40-meter course (20 meters back and forth). Each session lasted 24–26 minutes, including warm-up, intermittent exercises (30 seconds of high-intensity activity followed by 30 seconds of active rest), and cool-down. The number of repetitions increased progressed from four in the first week to six in the final week (22).
In addition to exercise, the supplement group received two 500 mg spirulina capsules daily (taken one hour before lunch and dinner) for six weeks. The exercise + placebo group received visually identical capsules containing starch. The control group did not receive any intervention.
Blood samples (5 ml) were collected after a 12-hour fast, 24-hour before and 48-hour after the intervention. Serum was separated via centrifugation and stored at -80°C. H2O2 and TAC levels were measured using respective kits (ZellBio, Germany) and an ELISA reader.
Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and variance homogeneity was verified with Levene’s test. Between-group comparisons were conducted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the LSD post-hoc test, with a significance level of p<0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Findings: The results demonstrated significant reductions in H2O2 levels in the exercise + supplement (p=0.0001) and exercise + placebo (p=0.001) groups, alongside significant increases in TAC (p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). Weight (p=0.001 and p=0.01) and body fat percentage (p=0.0001 and p=0.001) decreased significantly in both exercise groups compared to the control group. The WHR showed a significant reduction only in the exercise + supplement group (p=0.01). Additionally, VO2max increased significantly in the exercise + supplement (p=0.03) and exercise + placebo (p=0.002) groups.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that six weeks of HIIT, with or without spirulina supplementation, significantly reduced serum H2O2 levels and increased TAC in overweight and obese girls. Both interventions also led to reductions in weight, body fat percentage, and BMI, while improving maximal aerobic capacity. The significant decrease in WHR in the exercise + supplement group underscores the enhanced effect of spirulina on body composition.
HIIT likely enhances antioxidant defense by increasing the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and improving electron transport chain function. Spirulina, with its antioxidant compounds like phycocyanin and beta-carotene, amplifies this effect (16). The reduction in free radical production and improvements in body composition may mitigate cellular damage caused by oxidative stress (24, 25).
Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, optimize exercise protocols, and determine ideal spirulina dosages. Future studies should also investigate additional oxidative stress biomarkers to broaden the understanding of these combined interventions.
Overall, these findings highlight the potential of HIIT and spirulina supplementation as a synergistic and non-pharmacological strategy for enhancing metabolic health and managing obesity-related complications.
Funding: The present article is derived from a Master’s thesis in exercise physiology, approved by the University of Birjand, and has not received funding from any governmental or private institution.
Conflicts of interest: The authors of the article declare that there is no conflict of interest in the present study.
Keywords
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