Effect of aerobic training with or without spirulina consumption on Vo2max and some of the immunological marker of trained men following six weeks aerobic training

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic training and consumption of spirulina on the Vo2max and some selective markers of immunity system of trained men following an exhaustive workout. Forty trained male college students were randomly selected and then randomly assigned to four treatment groups including spirulina-exercise, placebo-exercise, spirulina, and placebo regiment. All subjects performed a fasting exhaustive workout program (Bruce Protocol) on treadmill prior to the start of the experiment. Blood samples were collected before and after the completion of this protocol in addition to obtaining their Vo2max. Then, the experimental groups participated in a 6-week aerobic running program of 30 minutes for 3 days a week. The spirulina group received a 500mg tablet while the placebo group received an identical tablets of placebo. Following the six weeks of the aerobic running programs, all groups participated in an exhaustive workout protocol similar to the one presented at the start of the experiment. Blood samples were collected prior to the start of the second stage and upon the completion of this exercise program. Selected blood components including CD4 +, CD8 +, NK, and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + were measured before and after the completion of the first and second part of the exhaustive workouts. Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA, LSD and dependent t was performed on data. The results of analysis showed that the aerobic running exercise plus spirulina consumption group each alone caused increase in Vo2max, aerobic running exercise plus spirulina consumption caused more increase in Vo2max comparing to the other groups (P<0.05). The amount of CD4 + and hemoglobin in aerobic running exercise plus spirulina consumption group was significantly. Different than the other groups (P=0.002). CD4 + in all groups did not differ significantly. NK increased in all groups significantly (P<0.05). The ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + in spirulina-exercise group was significantly lower than the spirulina and also the placebo group (P=0.002). It was concluded that consumption of spirulina in addition to participation in aerobic running program may increase Vo2max and immunity system’s markers.