The Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Salvia on Thyroid Hormones in Male Athletes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MA Student Exercise Physiology, Eslamabad-E-Gharb Branch, Islamic Azad University, Eslamabad-E-Gharb, Iran.

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Eslamabad-E-Gharb Branch, Islamic Azad University, Eslamabad-E-Gharb, Iran.

3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran.

4 Department of Physical Education, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of a 12-week aerobic training program combined with salvia supplementation on thyroid hormone secretion and the secretion of the stimulating hormone. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 48 young male athletes (aged 20–35 years) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12 per group): (1) aerobic training, (2) aerobic training with Salvia supplementation, (3) Salvia supplementation only, and (4) control. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included three one-hour aerobic training sessions per week. Participants in the Salvia groups received three coated Salvigol tablets daily (100 mg each). Groups without supplementation performed only the aerobic training protocol for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality. To test the study hypotheses, a two-way ANOVA was conducted; paired t-tests compared pre- and post-test values within groups, and Tukey’s post hoc test was applied for between-group comparisons. All analyses were performed in SPSS version 27, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The findings demonstrated that 12 weeks of aerobic training combined with Salvia supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum T3 concentrations and its stimulating hormone (p = 0.001). Furthermore, aerobic training with Salvia supplementation significantly increased T4 levels (p = 0.001). However, no significant change in TRH concentrations was observed (p > 0.05). Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in T3 and T4 between the aerobic + Salvia group and each of the aerobic, Salvia-only, and control groups. Additionally, significant differences in T3 and T4 were observed between the aerobic and control groups, whereas no other significant differences were observed among the remaining groups. Conclusion: Considering the beneficial properties of Salvia supplementation, its combination with aerobic exercise may have a synergistic effect on the regulation of thyroid hormone levels and their stimulating hormone.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 October 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 October 2025

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