The effects of spirulina under high intensity interval training on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-blind Trial

Abstract

Background: We investigated the effects of spirulina under high intensity interval training (HIIT) on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized, quasi-experimental controlled, single-blind with a pre- and post-test design in which 20 overweight and obese women (BMI= 29.32±3.01 kg/m2, age= 21.55±1.76 years), were randomly divided into the following groups: HIIT+ spirulina (n=10) and HIIT+ placebo (n=10). Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) was used for HIIT protocol consisting six intervals at 35m maximal speed runs, with a rest of 10 seconds in each trial (3 times /week, four weeks). HIIT+ spirulina group received 500mg of the spirulina pills twice daily for four weeks and the second group took placebo. Results: There was a significant increase in serum levels of nesfatin-1 in HIIT+ spirulina (P value <0.0001), but not in HIIT+placebo (P value, 0.61) group. Also, results indicated a significant difference between two groups with respect to serum levels of nesfatin-1 (P value, 0.04). Serum levels of omentin-1 significantly increased in both groups (P<0.05). However, there was not significant difference between two groups (P value, 0.49). In addition, results showed no significant inter-group and intra-groups differences in total cholesterol levels (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) between groups (P value >0.05). Conclusions: The Spirulina under HIIT increased levels of nesfatin-1 and omentin-1 with no effects on the levels of lipid profiles in overweight and obese females.