The Effect of 8 Weeks of Yoga Practice with Weight along with Spirulina Supplement on Some Indicators of Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Obesity and Overweight Women

Introduction: With the increase in the elderly population and their comorbidities, the need for appropriate prevention of their metabolic comorbidities is felt. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga practice with weight and Spirulina supplement on some indicators of metabolic syndrome (Lipid profile) in older women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 elderly volunteer women with a body mass index of 25-30kg/m2 living in Bushehr who were randomly divided into four groups of 10 people (control, supplement (Spirulina), exercise, and exercise/supplement). The training protocol consisted of three 60-minute exercise sessions per week for eight weeks. Subjects took three 500g Spirulina supplement capsules thrice daily for eight weeks. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) were measured at pretest and posttest phases. Student t-test and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of P≥0.05. Results: Yoga with weights, along with Spirulina supplementation, led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol (F=10.22), triglycerides (F=12.20), and LDL (F=16.47). In contrast, HDL increased significantly after eight weeks of exercise and supplement consumption (F=36.02). Conclusion: The results have shown that practicing yoga with weights for eight weeks has good effects on metabolic indicators, especially with the supplement. Data proved that using Spirulina supplements for eight weeks could not produce a desirable result.