Effects of Tabata-style functional training and cinnamon supplementation on army combat fitness test performance, serum irisin, and body composition in military cadets: a randomized controlled trial

Aim The study aimed to assess the effect of Tabata-style functional training with or without cinnamon supplementation on the performance of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), serum irisin levels, and body composition in cadets at military academies.Methods In a randomized controlled design, 48 male cadets (22.8 ± 1.3 years) were allocated to 4 groups: Tabata group (n = 14), cinnamon group (n = 10), Tabata+cinnamon (n = 14), and control group (n = 10). This was a 6-week intervention. Tabata training was performed three times per week (8 × 20s work/10s rest; 87%–95% HRmax), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) supplementation was administered three times per day (1.5g per day). The ACFT components, serum irisin, body fat percentage (BFP), visceral fat index (VFI), lean body mass (LBM), and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated before and after treatment.Results The group × time interaction was significant for ACFT score, irisin, and body composition markers (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post hoc showed that ACFT test scores in both groups, COMB and TAB, improved significantly compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Significant improvement was observed for groups COMB and TAB in 3 repetition maximum Deadlift, Standing Power Throw, Release Pushups, Sprint-Drag-Carry, Leg Tuck, and 2-Mile Run compared to CON group (p < 0.05). The most significant increase in serum irisin levels was observed in COMB group compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). All groups showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and VFI when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Among the groups, TAB group had a remarkably lower BFP than the others (p < 0.001). Additionally, LBM increased significantly in all groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusion Tabata-style training combined with cinnamon supplementation markedly enhanced performance, body composition, and circulating irisin in young male military cadets, yielding significant improvements in functional capacity and demonstrating the advantage of pairing high-intensity exercise with targeted nutritional intervention.