The Effect of 12 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Spirulina Supplementation on Key Indicators of Muscle Growth in Obese Men

Afsheh, Farideh; Barari, Alireza; Abbassi-Daloii , Asieh; Saeidi, Ayoub

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Volume 33, Issue 5 (11-2025)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2025, 33(5): 160-170

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The Effect of 12 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Spirulina Supplementation on Key Indicators of Muscle Growth in Obese Men

Farideh Afsheh¹

, Alireza Barari¹

, Asieh Abbassi-Daloii¹

, Ayoub Saeidi ^*²

1- Dept of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
2- Dept of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of humanities and Social Science, University of kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran , saeidi_as68@yahoo.com

Abstract: (40 Views)

Introduction: Obesity is recognized as one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries and is closely associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. In recent years, high-intensity exercise interventions and natural supplements have gained attention as effective strategies for managing obesity-related complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program combined with spirulina supplementation on serum levels of decorin and myostatin in obese men.
Materials & Methods: Forty-four obese men (BMI: 33 ± 1 kg/m²; body weight: 101 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned into four groups (n=11 per group): Control-placebo (C), HIIT-placebo (H), Supplement (S) and HIIT plus supplement (HS). Participants in the H and HS groups performed HIIT sessions three times per week for 12 weeks. Those in the S and HS groups received 6 grams of spirulina daily (3 grams in the morning and 3 grams in the evening) throughout the intervention. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before the start and 48 hours after the final training session. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups regarding changes in decorin and myostatin levels (p<0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that both the H and HS groups experienced a significant decrease in myostatin levels (p<0.001) and a significant increase in decorin levels (p<0.001) compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that both HIIT and spirulina supplementation independently lead to favorable changes in myostatin and decorin levels in obese men. Furthermore, the combined intervention produced more pronounced improvements, highlighting the potential synergistic effect of exercise and spirulina in obesity management.

Keywords: Interval training, Spirulina, Adipokines, Obesity

Full-Text [PDF 839 kb] (26 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Physical Education
Received: 2025/01/29 | Accepted: 2025/08/26 | Published: 2025/11/26

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Afsheh F, Barari A, Abbassi-Daloii A, Saeidi A. The Effect of 12 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Spirulina Supplementation on Key Indicators of Muscle Growth in Obese Men. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2025; 33 (5) :160-170
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8540-en.html

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