Effect of Endurance Exercise Along with Strawberry Supplementation on Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Inactive Young Women

Abstract

Background: Herbal supplementation with moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercise affects obesity-related factors, especially the lipid profile and inflammatory markers. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of endurance training with strawberry extract supplementation on inflammatory markers and the lipid profile in healthy inactive women. Methods: The subjects included inactive women aged 20 - 30 years, who were randomly divided into two groups: (a) The endurance exercise + supplementation group (n = 12) and (b) The endurance exercise + placebo group (n = 12). The supplementation group received 100-mg strawberry extract supplement twice per day for two weeks. After the supplementation, the exercise protocol was carried out, which included a session of endurance exercise within 75% - 80% of the maximum heart rate on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to determine the lipid profile and plasma fibrinogen concentration. Data were analyzed using the repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in TC, TG and LDL-C and a significant increase in HDL-C after the supplementation, but no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Fibrinogen concentrations decreased significantly following the supplementation. Meanwhile, no significant increase was observed in the groups after the endurance exercise (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results obtained and the benefits of dried strawberry powder on cardiovascular risk factor control, supplementation following exercise training are recommended for improving the physiological function of inactive people who are prone to dyslipidemia and inflammation.