Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Tribulus terrestris Supplementation on Selected Physical Fitness Components and Body Composition in Physically Active Women
Subject Areas : Sport PhysiologyZahra Rasouli 1 , Naser Amiri 2 * , Mania Rouzbayani 3
1 - Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Aerobic training, Tribulus terrestris, Physical fitness, Body composition, Physically active women,
Abstract :
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of aerobic training and Tribulus terrestris supplementation on selected components of physical fitness and body composition in physically active women.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. Forty physically active women were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10 each): control, Tribulus terrestris supplementation, aerobic training, and aerobic training combined with Tribulus terrestris supplementation. Body height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed using a stadiometer and medical scale. Physical fitness variables included isometric strength (handgrip dynamometer), lower-body explosive power (Sargent vertical jump test), agility (4 × 9 m shuttle run), reaction time (reaction time apparatus), and dynamic muscular endurance (pull-up test). Measurements were obtained before and after the 8-week intervention. The aerobic training groups completed three exercise sessions per week for eight weeks. Participants in the supplementation groups consumed 1,250 mg/day of Tribulus terrestris (625 mg twice daily), while the placebo group received visually identical capsules containing starch. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: Aerobic training produced significant main effects on isometric strength, dynamic muscular endurance, and body composition (P < 0.05). Significant interaction effects between aerobic training and Tribulus terrestris supplementation were also observed for these variables. However, no significant effects were found for lower-body explosive power, agility, or reaction time (P > 0.05). In addition, Tribulus terrestris supplementation alone did not produce significant improvements in any of the measured physical fitness or body composition variables.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of aerobic training combined with Tribulus terrestris supplementation improved isometric strength, dynamic muscular endurance, and body composition in physically active women, whereas supplementation alone was ineffective. These findings suggest that combining aerobic exercise with Tribulus terrestris supplementation may provide greater benefits for selected physical fitness components and body composition than supplementation alone.
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