Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD Candidate, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
2
Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction and Purpose: In recent years, exercise, diet, and supplements have been known as ways to improve body composition, reduce weight, and mitigate risk factors related to obesity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance exercise and spirulina supplementation on plasma levels of spexin, C-reactive protein, and certain body composition indices in overweight and obese men.
Materials and Methods: The present study was semi-experimental and applied research. For this purpose, 44 overweight men (BMI > 25 kg/m², with an average weight of 83.93 ± 5.48 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups: training + supplement, training + placebo, supplement, and placebo (11 participants in each group). The interventions were conducted for eight weeks, with three sessions per week. The resistance training program included weight training with a flexible timing pattern and varying intensities (very light, light, medium, and heavy). During this period, participants in the supplement and placebo groups took two 500 mg capsules of spirulina or placebo daily, respectively. The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk tests, analysis of covariance, paired t-tests, and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The plasma values of spexin in the supplement training group and the placebo training group were significantly higher than in the supplement and placebo groups (P<0.05). The plasma levels of C-reactive protein in the placebo group were significantly higher than in the other three groups. Lean body mass (LBM) in the supplement training group was significantly higher than in the supplement and placebo groups. Additionally, in the placebo training group, it was significantly higher than in the placebo group (P<0.05). Total body water (TBW) in the supplement training group was significantly higher than in the supplement and placebo groups, and it was also significantly higher in the placebo training group than in the supplement group (P<0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: It appears that eight weeks of resistance training with spirulina supplementation can improve body composition and obesity-related disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, by increasing plasma levels of spexin, decreasing plasma levels of C-reactive protein, and increasing LBM and TBW.
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