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Comparison of the Effect of 8 Weeks of Combined Training with Caffeine or Ginseng Supplementation Versus Aerobic Exercise on Physical Fitness, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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Mohammad Hassan Olamazadeh1    , Mohammadreza Zarali2 , Amin Ebdalifar3 |
1- Exercise Physiology Department, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran , Mholamazade@yahoo.com
2- Armed Forces Health Administration of Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran
3- Faculty of Physical Education, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (410 Views) |
Introduction: Active-duty military personnel are at risk of reduced physical fitness and increased anxiety and depression due to operational stress and sleep loss. This study compared the effects of 8 weeks of selected combined training with caffeine, ginseng, or placebo supplementation versus morning aerobic exercise on fitness and psychological outcomes.
Methods: In this four-arm randomized clinical trial, 60 active-duty men with body mass index (BMI) 25 to 35 kg/m² were randomized to one of four groups (n = 15 each): (1) combined training plus caffeine, (2) combined training plus ginseng, (3) combined training plus placebo, or (4) morning aerobic exercise. Outcomes included VO₂max, body composition, flexibility, balance, muscular strength and endurance, and DASS-21 scores, assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Between-group differences were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline values, age, and BMI.
Results: All three combined-training groups, compared with morning aerobics, showed significant improvements in VO₂max, lower body-fat percentage, higher fat-free mass, and better flexibility and balance, whereas body weight and 1RM indices did not differ between groups. The greatest improvement in body composition was observed in the combined-training + caffeine group. Reductions in total DASS-21 score occurred mainly in the two supplement groups.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of selected combined training produced greater improvements in VO₂max, body composition, flexibility, and balance than morning aerobic exercise, regardless of supplementation. Caffeine and ginseng provided modest additional benefits, with no clear superiority between them. This combined-training protocol may be a practical, low-cost option for active-duty personnel. |
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| Keywords: Caffeine, Physical fitness, Depression, Anxiety, Military personnel |
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Type of Article: Research Article |
Subject:
Health Management
Received: 2024/05/13 | Revised: 2026/06/2 | Accepted: 2024/05/14
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