The Effect of 8 Weeks of Body Weight Resistance Training and Propolis Supplementation on Serum Testosterone and Growth Hormone Levels in Non-Athletic Women

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 MSc Student in Sports Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Raja University, Qazvin, Iran

2 PhD in Sports Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Sports Management, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Raja University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

Background: Our study was motivated by the emerging evidence that propolis, a natural substance with unique antioxidant properties, could offer novel benefits. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training and propolis supplementation on the serum levels of testosterone and growth hormone in woman non-athletes.
Methods: Our study employed a rigorous semi-experimental design. We randomly divided 32 beginner woman non-athletes into four groups: control, placebo, supplement, exercise, and exercise supplement (8 people). The exercises were performed for eight weeks and three weekly sessions for 50 minutes. A daily prescription of 900 mg of propolis supplement, to be taken during lunch and dinner, was given. The data was meticulously analyzed using the ANOVA statistical test and Benferroni follow-up test at a significance level of 0.05, ensuring the validity of our results.
Findings: Paired t-test shows that the levels of testosterone and growth hormone increased significantly in the training and training+supplement groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). Regarding change percentage, the exercise + supplement group shows a greater increase in blood testosterone (25%) and growth hormone (39%) than other groups. A significant difference was observed in testosterone levels (P = 0.001, F = 30.80) and growth hormone (P = 0.001, F = 16.58) by performing the covariance analysis test between the groups.
Conclusion: The implications of our findings are significant for sports medicine. Our study suggests that a combination of 8 weeks of resistance training and propolis supplementation could help maintain optimal levels of testosterone and growth hormone in beginner non-athletic women, enhancing their non-athletic performance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 42, Issue 760
4th Week, May
May and June 2024
Pages 193-201

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 22 June 2024

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