Interactive effect of spinning training and capsaicin consumption on body composition and Vo2 max in overweight adolescents

Being overweight and obese during adolescence is associated with a wide range of complications and an increased risk of sudden occurrence of physical problems, mental disorders, and some cancers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of spinning training and capsaicin consumption on body composition and VO2 max in overweight adolescents. In this quasi-experimental study, with a pre- and post-test design and a placebo group, 60 overweight teenagers with BMI=26.52±1.38 kg/m2 were selected purposefully and using a systematic random method were divided into 4 groups of 15 people (Exercise, Supplement, Combined, and Placebo). The spinning training protocol was performed for 10 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Furthermore, supplement and combined groups consumed capsules containing 500 mg of capsaicin extract with the usual breakfast for 10 weeks. The measurement of height, weight, BMI, and Vo2 max was done in two stages, pre-test, and post-test. In order to analyze the data, multivariate covariance, and post hoc Bonferroni tests were used using SPSS26 software at a significant level (P<0.05). The results of the study showed that the exercise and combined (Exercise+Supplement) interventions caused a significant reduction in weight, fat percentage, and BMI of overweight teenagers (p=0.001). In addition, a significant increase in Vo2 max was observed in both exercise and combined training groups (p=0.001). Moreover, the changes caused by the combined group on all variables were significantly more than other groups. These findings indicate the beneficial effects of the interactive effect of spinning exercise and capsaicin consumption on body composition and VO2 max. Therefore, using spinning exercises and capsaicin herbal supplements is recommended as a suitable method to lose weight in overweight teenagers.