The Effect of 8 Weeks Power Interval Training with Pomegranate Extract Consumption on Body Composition and Some Related Factors in Inactive Male Students

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of present study was investigation of the effect of eight weeks power interval training with pomegranate extract consumption on body composition in inactive male students.

Methods: 42 inactive boys were randomly divided into four groups including power interval training (n=11), power interval training with pomegranate extract consumption (n=11), pomegranate extract (n=10) and control (n=10). Power interval training program was performed for eight weeks, 3 sessions per week that each session  included 2 movements for the upper body (halter chest press and halter wide grip upright row) and 2 movements for the lower body (back jump and Wingate) in 3 - 5 sets of 10 seconds. Subjects in power interval training + pomegranate extract group (30 min before exercise) and pomegranate extract group consumed 100 ml of pomegranate extract 3 times a week.

Results: The results showed that resting metabolic rate increased significantly after 8 weeks in interval Power training + pomegranate extract (P=0.003), but this increment was not significant (P>0.05) in the Power interval training group. Relative maximum oxygen uptake increased significantly in the power interval training + pomegranate extract group (P=0.022), but no change was observed in the other groups. Also, the percentage of fat of the subjects decreased significantly after 8 weeks of power interval training + pomegranate extract (P=0.012).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that combination of power interval training with pomegranate extract consumption induce an increase in resting metabolism rate and consequently improvement in body composition which can lead to weight loss.