Comparison of the effects of 8 weeks of Complex Training and HMB supplements on IL-15 levels, cortisol, and some physiological and functional variables of male basketball players

Beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyric acid (HMB) was able to upregulated anabolic agents and downregulated catabolic agents, and it can affect the benefits of physical activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of Complex Training (Resistance+ polymeric) and HMB supplements on IL-15, Cortisol, lipid profile, body composition and performance of Basketball Players. 40 basketball club players were randomly divided into four groups of 10, including: 1. Control group, 2. Supplementary group (HMB), 3. Complex training group, and 4. Training group + Supplement (HMB). The training program was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week and each session for 1.5 hours with intensity 60-80% 1RM. Serum levels of interleukin 15, cortisol, lipid profiles were taken one day before and 48 hours after the exercise protocol was performed in fasting blood. Data were analyzed by dependent sample T-test and two-way ANOVA (P <0.05). Regarding the results of two-way ANOVA, the main effect of exercise in all variables except cortisol was significant. In addition, the main effect of HMB supplementation was significant only in two variable of medicine ball throwing (F = 11.08, p = 0.002) and vertical jump (F = 62.22, p = 0.001). Complex training with HMB supplementation has the greatest effect on increasing anabolic responses (increased IL-15) and reducing catabolic responses (Cortisol) and lipid profile indexes. Therefore, it seems that use of this supplement with the complex training modality is effective in improving physiological conditions and enhancing explosive power athletes such as basketball.