Journal of Practical Studies of Biosciences in Sport

Journal of Practical Studies of Biosciences in Sport

effects of combined interval–endurance swimming training and capsaicin supplementation on serum inflammatory and antioxidant indices in aged rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Master's student in exercise physiology, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
2 Professor of Bu-Ali Sina University, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran,
3 PhD of exercise physiology, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
10.22077/jpsbs.2026.11436.2054
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aging is accompanied by increased chronic inflammation and weakened antioxidant capacity, which can pave the way for metabolic disorders and tissue function degradation. Despite existing evidence regarding the independent effects of exercise and capsaicin, there is a lack of sufficient clarity concerning their combined effect and the potential occurrence of a synergistic effect on inflammatory and antioxidant markers in an aging model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 aged rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control (CONT), capsaicin (CAP), swimming training (EX1), and swimming training combined with capsaicin (EX1+CAPS). The training intervention consisted of a 10-week combined swimming protocol (integrating interval and endurance components). Capsaicin supplementation was administered relative to body weight throughout the intervention period. Following the completion of the protocol, blood sampling was performed, and IL-1β, IL-10 levels, and SOD activity were measured. Results: The results indicated that both exercise and capsaicin interventions had significant effects on inflammatory and antioxidant markers. Crucially, the EX1+CAPS group exhibited more significant changes compared to the individual CAP and EX1 groups. Conclusion: Combined swimming training along with capsaicin supplementation can be considered an effective non-pharmacological/adjuvant strategy to improve cytokine balance (reducing IL-1β and increasing IL-10) and strengthen antioxidant capacity (increasing SOD) in the aging model, demonstrating a synergistic effect between swimming training and capsaicin consumption. These findings can provide a foundation for designing more practical protocols in the fields of gerontology and exercise physiology.
Keywords