The effect of resistance training and spirulina consumption on the antioxidant indices of overweight and obese men

Overweight and obesity are related to increased production of free radicals, weakened immune system and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training and spirulina consumption on the antioxidant indices of overweight and obese men.

In the present study, which was semi-experimental, practical and single-blind, 44 men (BMI>25(kg/m2)) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into four groups: exercise+spirulina, exercise+placebo, spirulina and placebo. Incremental resistance exercises were performed for 8 weeks. The spirulina and placebo groups took 2 tablets (500 mg) of spirulina and placebo, respectively. Blood sampling was done before and after 8 weeks. In data analysis, t-test (student) and one-way analysis of variance were used.

In intra-group comparison, the amount of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px increased significantly in two groups of exercise+spirulina and exercise+placebo (p<0.05). For the SOD variable, the exercise+spirulina group had a significant increase compared to the other three groups and the exercise+placebo group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). For the GSH-Px variable, the exercise+spirulina group had a significant increase compared to the spirulina and placebo group and the exercise+placebo group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). CAT changes were not significant between groups (p>0.05).

Taking spirulina along with resistance training can strengthen the antioxidant status in overweight and obese people and prevent oxidative stress caused by exercise and obesity.