Tracking of changes in systemic inflammation following the Oxford resistance exercise and Ginger supplement in male volleyball players

Various studies indicated increases in systemic inflammation after the intensive strength training, but the effects of the oral Ginger supplement on pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in immediate and 24 hours following strength exercise are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term Ginger supplement on markers related to systemic inflammation (interferon gamma and serum Amyloid A [SAA]) as markers of inflammatory and interlokin-2 [IL-2] as an index anti-inflammatory), in the immediate and 24 hr of the Oxford strength exercise in trained men. Twenty subjects in a longitudinal design were divided randomly into two groups; the Oxford strength exercise group (experimental) with and without Ginger supplementation, and or the Oxford strength exercise group (placebo) with and without placebo (Starch). Both groups performed the Oxford strength exercise protocol before and after supplementation and or/ placebo period with similar conditions. The subjects of the experimental group orally received 3 capsules (each capsule contained 1000 mg) of Ginger rhizome powder per week. Blood samples were collected at before, immediate and 24 hr after the Oxford strength exercise. Oxford strength exercise in both the experimental and placebo groups significantly increased in the interferon gamma, SSA and IL-2 in immediate and 24 hr after strength exercise, as compared to baseline (resting) levels. However, Ginger supplementation caused attenuates Oxford exercise–induced inflammation. Progressive resistance exercise induced systemic inflammation 24 hr after training and Ginger supplementation was a alternative method for alleviate the effects of exercise-induced inflammation.