Effects of Tabata training combined with iron supplementation on proprioceptive acuity in young women with iron deficiency anemia: a randomized controlled trial

Proprioception is fundamental for accurate movements, balance, and postural control, ensuring stability and orientation in both static and dynamic tasks. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) may impair proprioceptive acuity, thereby affecting motor control. As physical training is known to improve proprioception in both healthy and clinical populations, combining exercise with iron supplementation may offer additional benefits. This study aimed to explore the effects of 8-week Tabata training based on plyometric exercises combined with iron supplementation on proprioceptive acuity in young women with IDA. This randomized controlled trial included young women with IDA (18–25 years) who were randomly allocated to a Tabata training group (TG; n = 18) or an untrained control group (UTG; n = 20). Both groups received iron supplementation (494.5 mg ferrous sulfate), while the TG additionally completed an eight-week Tabata-based plyometric training program. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels were assessed, as well as, fatigue, attentional capacity, and proprioceptive acuity were evaluated using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), an online simple reaction time test, and the weight discrimination test, respectively, at baseline and 72 h after the final intervention session. The results of this study demonstrated significantly higher improvements post intervention in most proprioceptive acuity increments [0.4 kg (P = 0.003), 0.28 kg (P = 0.023). 0.11 kg (P < 0.001)], Hb levels (P = 0.03), as well as in general and physical fatigue (P < 0.001) and reduced motivation (P = 0.003) scores in TG compared to UTG. The findings of this study revealed greater improvements in proprioceptive acuity in the TG compared to the UTG, highlighting the additional benefits of our combined training program compared to iron supplementation therapy alone, particularly on Hb concentrations, general and physical fatigue and motivation scores. This study was registered retrospectively on pan African clinical trials registry (ID: PACTR202507672075403; Date of Registration: 02/07/2025).