The Effect of 6-Week Pilates Exercise and Fenugreek Supplement on Total Antioxidant Capacity and Mineral Content in Active Women

Aims Certain exercises can develop the antioxidant system. Fenugreek supplementation containing antioxidant capacity and minerals may increase the benefits of exercises. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of Pilates training with fenugreek supplement on Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and minerals in active women. Methods & Materials The current study was with a quasi-experimental design was conducted on 36 active women aged 21-28 years randomly assigned into four groups: training, supplement, training plus supplement, and control. The training groups performed six weeks of Pilates training with the intensity of 60%-80% of maximal heart rate, three times a week for six weeks. Supplement groups received 500 mg fenugreek seeds daily for six weeks. Before and after the intervention, TAC and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and iron) were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and paired t-test at significant levels of P<0.05. Findings In two variables, TAC and calcium, the time effect was significant, in other words, regardless of the group factor, there were significant differences between the post-test and pre-test of TAC and calcium variables in the experimental groups. The interaction of time-group was significant in TAC variable (P<0.05). The effect of the group was not significant in any of the variables. Conclusion The obtained results suggested that one period of Pilates training and the use of fenugreek supplement alone and in combination could possibly prevent oxidative stress induced by exercise and could be effective in enhancing TAC and increasing calcium levels in active women.