The Supplementation of L-Arginine, When Combined with High-Intensity Interval Training, Leads to Superior Improvements in Inflammatory Status Among Football Players

Introduction: Optimizing post-exercise recovery and mitigating metabolic stress are central challenges in competitive sports. Limited data currently exist concerning the synergistic impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and L-Arginine on immune-metabolic regulation in footballer players. This study aimed to compare the effects of six weeks of combined HIIT and L-Arginine supplementation on inflammatory/anti-inflammatory indices, hepatic enzymes, and key physical and skill performance factors. Methods: Twenty male football players were randomly divided into two intervention groups: HIIT plus L-Arginine (HIIT+ARG) and HIIT plus placebo (HIIT+PL). The six-week intervention involved three training sessions per week, with progressive HIIT intensity reaching ۱۱۰% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) by weeks ۵-۶. The HIIT+ARG group consumed ۶ grams of L-Arginine daily. Data were analyzed using covariance (ANCOVA).  All statistical analyses for this study were conducted using SPSS software (version ۲۶). The statistical significance level was set at P < ۰.۰۵. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance, controlling for pre-test values, revealed a significant between-group difference at the post-test stage regarding interleukin-۱۰ levels (IL-۱۰) (F = ۱۱.۳۱, P = ۰.۰۰۴) and alanine aminotransferase (F = ۴.۹۴, P = ۰.۰۴); specifically, the 'exercise + supplement' group exhibited more favorable improvements compared to the placebo group. However, after adjusting for baseline values, no significant between-group differences were observed in interleukin-۶ (F = ۳.۲۰, P = ۰.۰۹) or aspartate aminotransferase levels (F = ۲.۸۸, P = ۰.۱۰۷). Within the HIIT+ARG group, IL-۶ (P=۰۰۲), ALT (P= ۰.۰۴۳), and AST (P= ۰.۰۰۵) all significantly decreased, while IL-۱۰ significantly increased (P= ۰.۰۰۱). Concurrently, this combined regimen resulted in significant functional gains: anaerobic power and VO۲max significantly improved, and agility and dribbling/shooting time significantly decreased (indicating performance enhancement). The HIIT+PL group showed no significant change in these markers. Conclusion: The simultaneous use of HIIT and L-Arginine induced a significant dual-directional modulation of immune and metabolic markers, alongside notable functional gains in anaerobic capacity and agility performance. These findings underscore the specific benefit of L-Arginine as an ergogenic aid; therefore, coaches and athletes are recommended to incorporate this combined approach to enhance metabolic health and functional capacity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Interval training ، L-arginine ، Inflammatory markers ، Liver enzymes ، Football players