The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of six weeks of aerobic exercise along with the supplementation of fenugreek seeds on C-reactive protein and some blood parameters in active women.
Materials and methods: The present study is in the form of a semi-experimental design in a double-blind on 40 active women with an age range of 40 to 45 years. The subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups: exercise and fenugreek (n=10), exercise and placebo (n=10), fenugreek (n=10), placebo (n=10). Two exercise groups participated in the aerobic exercise program for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week, and each session lasted 20 to 30 minutes. Aerobic exercise that was held in 18 sessions, was with an intensity of 60 to 70% of the maximum heart rate (HRmax). The training consisted of a 10-minute warm-up including gentle stretching and flexibility exercises, 20-30 minutes of core exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down with static stretching. Also, all groups consumed 500 milligrams of fenugreek seeds or placebo (starch) daily after breakfast. The blood samples of the subjects were collected in two stages, 48 hours before training and taking supplements and 48 hours after the last training session, i.e. at the end of the sixth week, from the vein of the right hand of the subjects while sitting and resting. To analyze the data, Shapiro-Wilk test, correlated t-test, and Bonferroni's post hoc analysis of covariance test were used for natural data at a significance level of p<0.05.
Research findings: The results of this study showed that aerobic exercise along with fenugreek seed supplement had a decreasing effect on the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) in active women (p=0.001). Aerobic exercise combined with fenugreek seed supplement had an increasing effect on the amounts of platelets in active women (p=0.003). Aerobic exercise along with fenugreek seed supplement had an increasing effect on the amount of red blood cells in active women (p=0.003). Aerobic exercise combined with fenugreek seed supplement had a decreasing effect on the amount of white blood cells (neutrophils and lymphocytes) in active women (p=0.03).
Discussion and conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise with fenugreek seed supplementation leads to a decrease in C-reactive protein and a decrease in white blood cells and an increase in platelets. These changes lead to a significant improvement in reducing the inflammatory condition and increasing the active immune system of women. Also, training and supplements lead to an increase in red blood cells, which causes better oxygen delivery to tissues and optimal intracellular metabolism