Sport Biosciences

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Resistance and Sprint Interval Training Combined with Saffron Extract on Cardiovascular Indicators in the Elderly

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hamed GHolami 1
Hadi Ghaedi 1
Mehran Ghahramani 2

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd, Iran.

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

10.22059/jsb.2025.385405.1660
Abstract
Introduction: This research aimed to compare the effects of resistance training and sprint interval training combined with saffron extract on cardiovascular indicators of the elderly
Method: In this semi-experimental study, 30 sedentary elderly men over the age of 65 were selected as participants and assigned to three groups of resistance training + saffron supplement, sprint interval training + saffron supplement, and control group. The resistance training group participated in an 8-week resistance training program, while the sprint interval group completed an 8-week sprint interval training program. The control group continued with their daily activities during the intervention period. Participants in the supplement groups received 3 mg/kg of body weight of saffron extract three times per day for eight weeks. Resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and VO₂ max were measured before and after the intervention. Research data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Findings: Neither 8 weeks of resistance training nor sprint interval training—both combined with saffron extract—had a significant effect on resting heart rate, VO₂ max, or systolic blood pressure in elderly individuals. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the effects of resistance training and sprint interval training combined with saffron extract on resting heart rate, VO2max, and systolic blood pressure in elderly people.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it is likely that longer training periods are needed to observe the potential benefits of both resistance and sprint interval training methods combined with saffron supplementation.

Keywords

Resistance Training
Resting Heart Rate
Saffron Supplement
Sprint-Interval Training
Systolic Blood Pressure
VO2max
Subjects
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Sport Biosciences
Volume 17, Issue 2
summer
Summer 2025
Pages 79-92

  • Receive Date 30 November 2024
  • Revise Date 09 May 2025
  • Accept Date 17 August 2025

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