The combined effects of Tabata training and cinnamon supplementation on metabolic changes and body composition in soldiers with overweight or obesity

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the effect of the combining Tabata training and cinnamon supplementation on metabolic changes and body composition in overweight and obese soldiers. Materials and Methods: 40 overweight and obese soldiers were divided into Tabata (T), Tabata training+supplement (T+S), supplement (S) and control (C) groups. The intervention completed during eight weeks with three sessions per week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage [BFP], performance parameters) push-up, squat, plank and vertical jump), metabolic markers (fasting blood sugar [FBS], insulin and [HOMA], liver enzymes (Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase [SGOT], Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase [SGPT], and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase [GGT] (and inflammatory markers (C-Reactive Protein [CRP], Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha [TNF-α], Adiponectin and Irisin). Cinnamon supplement was taken in 500 mg capsules three times a day. Results: Body mass, BMI, and body fat percentage significantly decreased in all intervention groups (p < 0.001), with the greatest fat loss in T + S (−7.86%, p < 0.001), significantly more than T (p = 0.013). Performance (push-up, squat, plank, jump) improved in T and T + S (all p < 0.001), with no difference between them (p > 0.05). Fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA-IR, and liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, GGT) decreased across all interventions (p < 0.05), with the greatest reductions in T + S. Inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α) declined, while adiponectin and irisin increased in all interventions (p < 0.001), with superior changes in T + S versus all groups (p < 0.05). The control group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Tabata training resulted in synergistically effect on performance, body composition, metabolic-inflammation markers, and liver enzyme function in overweight and obese individuals. Moreover, the cinnamon supplementation as an ergogenic potentiated the observed beneficial effects.