Effects of high intensity interval training and ginger supplement on some antioxidant markers, cardio –respiratory fitness and body mass index in overweight women

Introduction: Human is trying to enhance health level by life style changing. In this study, the effect of 10 weeks of high intensity intermittent exercise and ginger supplement on some antioxidant markers, cardio-respiratory fitness and body mass index in overweight women was evaluated. Materials and Methods: 30 overweight women (BMI > 25) were randomly divided into 3 groups: high intensity interval training- ginger (HIIT-GI), high intensity interval training- placebo (HIIT-PL), and ginger (GI) groups. HIIT-GI and GI groups consumed 3 grams of ginger pill orally; and except GI group, two other training groups performed interval training up to 90 percent of maximal heart rate in 3 sessions per week. Total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and total polyphenol capacity of serum were measured using colorimetric method and the analysis of covariance test was applied for extraction of results (P<0.05). Results: Total antioxidant capacity increased non-significantly (p>0.05) by 22, 13 and 36 percent, and total polyphenol capacity increased non-significantly (p>0.05) by 18, 14 and 18 percent in the HIIT-PL, HIIIT-GI, and GI groups, respectively. Also, a non-significant (p> 0.05) changes was obtained in catalase activity.&nbsp; However, the body mass index of both HIIT-GI and HIIT-PL groups and the maximal oxygen uptake of HIIT-GI group significantly (p< 0.05) improved. Conclusion: High intensity interval training and ginger supplement with this dose considered became effective in overweight women's cardio-respiratory fitness and body mass index improvement; but it was not enough for stimulating the body's antioxidant syste