The effect of spirulina consumption following a period of aerobic activity on some indicators of the immune system of male athletes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities. Azad University, Najafabad branch. Esfahan. Iran.

2 Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities. Azad University, Tehran East branch, Tehran. Iran.

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Gilan University, Rasht, Iran.

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to examine the impact of spirulina consumption following a period of aerobic exercise on VO2max (maximum oxygen consumption) and selected indicators of the immune system in male athletes.

Method: A total of 40 male athletes were randomly assigned to four groups: spirulina with aerobic exercise, spirulina + aerobic exercise, spirulina consumption only, and a control group. The training groups engaged in progressive aerobic activities, specifically running on a treadmill, for 6 weeks with three sessions per week. The spirulina supplement and spirulina + aerobic training groups consumed two 500 mg spirulina tablets during morning and evening meals over the six-week period. The subjects' maximum oxygen consumption was measured using the Queen's College Stair Test 24 hours before and after the final training session and supplementation. Blood samples were collected to measure immunoglobulins A and G levels, as well as cortisol levels. Data analysis involved dependent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: The research findings indicated that consuming spirulina for 6 weeks following a period of aerobic training did not have a significant effect on the subjects' immune system indicators. However, it was observed that spirulina consumption after aerobic exercise significantly influenced the VO2max of male athletes (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results, spirulina supplementation can be considered an effective supplement for improving certain cardio-respiratory indicators in aerobic athletes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Research in Exercise Nutrition
Volume 2, Issue 2
March 2024
Pages 26-15

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 November 2023
  • Revise Date: 23 December 2023
  • Accept Date: 08 January 2024
  • First Publish Date: 08 January 2024

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