Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 4 weeks of HIIT training and ginseng supplementation on PMS and some physical fitness factors in non-athletic girls.
Methodology: For this study, 40 non-athlete girls aged 18-30 from District 19 of Tehran city were voluntarily selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: HIIT exercise group, ginseng supplement group, combined group (HIIT exercise and ginseng supplement) and control group. After completing the consent form and measuring height and weight, body mass index, PMS rate, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity and muscle strength were measured. The supplement group took a 500 mg capsule of ginseng supplement daily for 4 weeks, and the control group used a placebo. HITT or high-intensity interval training was such that each session consisted of 5 minutes of warm-up and 30 seconds of sprinting with 270 seconds of active rest. After 4 weeks, all variables were measured again. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test.
Result: The results showed that 4 weeks of HIIT training and consumption of ginseng improved aerobic capacity (p=001), anaerobic capacity (p=001) and physical dimension (p=001), mood and emotional dimension of PMS (p=001) in non-athlete girls. Compared with the control group, it improved compared to the pre-test and a significant difference was observed between all groups (p=001). Also, HIIT training and ginseng consumption increased muscle strength (p=001) and a significant difference was observed between all three groups.
Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the combination of HIIT exercises and ginseng consumption can have a positive effect on aerobic and anaerobic capacity, as well as physical and mood dimensions, as well as sports performance and psycho-physical status. So, HIIT with ginseng is an effective way to improve physical and mental fitness in inactive girls.