Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
2
Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: The effects of combined pomegranate and barberry juice supplementation, as well as the influence of exercise sequence on hematological, hemodynamic, and acid–base responses during and after sports preparation, remain unclear. Methods: This study aimed to investigate hematological, hemodynamic, and acid–base responses to different sequences of high-intensity anaerobic–resistance exercises following the ingestion of a combined pomegranate and barberry juice supplement in athletes. A total of 12 athletes (mean age: 24.33 ± 0.78 years; height: 176.75 ± 3.08 cm; weight: 73.93 ± 3.71 kg) participated in a double-blind crossover design. Each athlete received either the combined supplement (220 mL of pomegranate and barberry juice) or a placebo in four separate trials. The exercise protocol involved sequential anaerobic–resistance exercises performed in four different orders: (1) power–velocity–strength with supplement/placebo, and (2) power–strength–velocity with supplement/placebo. Results: The results showed that, across all four trials, supplementation significantly decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC; P = 0.007) and increased respiratory rate (P = 0.024) compared with placebo. Although no significant between-group differences were observed for other hematological variables (HCT, MCH, HGB, WBC, LYM, PLT), significant within-group changes were detected for each marker (P < 0.05). Similarly, no significant between-group differences were found for hemodynamic indicators (HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, SaO₂, BR), although significant within-group alterations were observed (P < 0.05). Acid–base markers (LA, pH, HCO₃⁻) also showed no significant between-group differences, but significant within-group changes occurred (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, supplementation with a combination of pomegranate and barberry juice appears to enhance athletic performance by reducing metabolite accumulation. Furthermore, the order in which exercises are executed influences physiological responses. These findings emphasize the importance of both nutritional supplementation and appropriate exercise sequencing in mitigating the adverse effects of anaerobic training.
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