Combined Effects of Lignosus rhinocerotis Supplementation and Resistance Training on Isokinetic Muscular Strength and Power, Anaerobic and Aerobic Fitness Level, and Immune Parameters in Young Males

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the effects of Lignosus rhinocerotis (LRS) supplementation
and resistance training (RT) on isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic and aerobic
fitness, and immune parameters in young males.

Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C), LRS, RT, and
combined RT-LRS (RT-LRS). Participants in the LRS and RT-LRS groups consumed 500 mg of
LRS daily for 8 weeks. RT was conducted 3 times/week for 8 weeks for participants in the RT
and RT-LRS groups. The following parameters were measured before and after the intervention
period: Anthropometric data, isokinetic muscular strength and power, and anaerobic and aerobic
fitness. Blood samples were also collected to determine immune parameters.

Results: Isokinetic muscular strength and power were increased (P < 0.05) in participants of both
RT and RT-LRS groups. RT-LRS group had shown increases (P < 0.05) in shoulder extension
peak torque, shoulder flexion and extension average power, knee flexion peak torque, and knee
flexion and extension average power. There were also increases (P < 0.05) in anaerobic power and
capacity and aerobic fitness in this group. Similarly, RT group had increases (P < 0.05) in shoulder
flexion average power, knee flexion and extension peak torque, and knee flexion and extension
average power. In addition, increases (P < 0.05) in anaerobic power and capacity, aerobic fitness,
T lymphocytes (CD3 and CD4), and B lymphocytes (CD19) counts were observed in the RT group.

Conclusions: RT elicited increased isokinetic muscular strength and power, anaerobic and
aerobic fitness, and immune parameters among young males. However, supplementation with
LRS during RT did not provide additive benefits.

Keywords: Aerobic fitness, immune parameters, Lignosus rhinocerotis, muscular fitness, resistance training