The Effect of Intense Functional Interval Training with Sour Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Consumption on Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intense functional interval training with the consumption of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on lipid profiles and insulin resistance in overweight women. In a field trial, 40 people were randomly divided into 5 groups including: 1- exercise, 2- sour tea and exercise, 3- sour tea, 4- exercise + placebo and 5- control. The training protocol in the training groups included 250 meters rowing with an ergometer, immediately swinging a 13 kg kettlebell and sitting and standing with 13 kg dumbbells. In the present study, dried sepal powder of sour tea plant was used as a supplement, and each tablespoon was equivalent to 3 grams. For data analysis, SPSS 21, Exell 2010 softwares and covariance and T-correlated statistical tests were used at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that the intra-group changes of triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and fat percentage after two weeks of training were significant in the training, training + supplement and training + placebo groups (p ≤ 0.05), but in the supplement group and the control group. The changes were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). Also, inter-group changes showed a significant difference between the control group and the training, supplement+training, supplement and training + placebo groups in triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and fat percentage (p ≤ 0.05). Despite this, the intergroup changes of insulin resistance were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). According to the results of the present study, overweight people are suggested to use various and effective exercises such as HIFT and sour tea supplements in order to lose weight and improve their metabolism profile and body composition.