Background: Regular physical activity helps maintain health and improves the performance of various body systems. It is also recommended for managing many diseases and disorders, even after surgery. In this regard, the use of supplements may effectively synergize these benefits and promote faster recovery and cell repair. This study investigated the response of liver enzymes and serum indices to whey protein and jogging after bariatric surgery in women.
Methods: The statistical population included all women aged 30 to 45 who underwent bariatric surgery. From this population, 30 individuals were selected as a statistical sample based on entry and exit criteria, using a simple random method without replacement. After providing necessary explanations, written consent was obtained from all participants. Before surgery, body composition assessment, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were performed. Following the surgery, the research sample participated in an 8-week jogging program and consumed Iso whey supplement. The training protocol was incremental, and the participants consumed 20 grams of Iso whey supplement twice daily, as a suspended solution in water, 30 minutes before and immediately after training. At the end of the research protocol, re-evaluations of body composition, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were conducted. To compare data, the mean, standard deviation, and Levine's test were used. Shapiro-Wilk test, dependent t-test, and analysis of variance with repeated measurements were employed to assess differences.
Results: The research showed that alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme levels decreased significantly. In addition, bone density, calcium levels, and muscle mass increased, while fat percentage and liver fibrosis decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Iso whey protein and jogging appear to have synergistic effects in stimulating growth, increasing muscle size and strength, and improving performance through protein building blocks and amino acids. These factors may also enhance the release of anabolic hormones. The decrease in liver enzymes was likely due to improved fat metabolism, increased energy and oxygen consumption, and enhanced cardiovascular activity.
