Circuit resistance training and Zataria Multiflora: a dual approach to improving blood rheology in postmenopausal...

This study examined the effects of an 8-week Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) and Zataria Multiflora Supplementation (ZMS) on some Blood Rheological Factors in postmenopausal women.

This was a pre-posttest design with control and experimental groups. Ninety-six postmenopausal women were divided randomly into eight groups: Control Group (CG, n = 12); Zataria Multiflora supplementation (ZMS, n = 12), Circuit Resistance Training with 35% 1RM (CRT35, n = 12), CRT 55% (n = 12), CRT 85% (n = 12), CRT 35% + ZMS (n = 12), CRT 55% + ZMS (n = 12) and CRT 85% + ZMS (n = 12). Blood samples were collected during pre-post-intervention sessions to measure Blood Rheological Factors, including Platelet Counts (PC), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Plasma Viscosity (PV), Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (PLCR), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Total Cholesterol (TC), and Triglyceride (TG).

The results showed no significant differences between different training intensities in PC, MPV, PDW, and PLCR (p > 0.05) but a significant difference was found between different training intensities in P.Vis, TC, TG, and P.Vol (p < 0.05). Also, ZMS significantly decreased TC, TG, and P.Vis (p < 0.05).

Our findings suggest the 8-week CRT is a critical intervention element that can significantly modulate blood rheology. Interestingly, these effects intensified when Zataria Multiflora supplementation was added to the 8-week CRT program, whereas ZMS alone had little impact on blood rheology. This intervention, CRT, alone or in combination with ZMS, could be considered a non-pharmacologic treatment to modulate or minimize menopause-induced CVD risks and lead to improved well-being and quality of life among postmenopausal women.