Effects of extremely low-volume high-intensity interval training combined with iron supplementation versus iron supplementation alone on postural control in young women with iron deficiency anemia: a randomized controlled trial

Background Recent research revealed postural control deterioration in young women with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). To address this postural deficit, it is crucial to develop intervention strategies for postural rehabilitation in these individuals. This study aimed to explore the effect of 8-week extremely low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) based on plyometric exercises combined with iron supplementation versus simple iron treatment on postural control of young women with IDA.Methods This randomized controlled trial enrolled young women with IDA aged 18–25 years, who were randomly assigned to a training group (TG; n = 16) or a non-training group (NTG; n = 17). All participants received oral iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate, 494.5 mg/day, administered as 247.25 mg twice daily), while the TG additionally completed an 8-week extremely low-volume HIIT program based on plyometric exercises. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin concentrations were assessed, alongside muscle endurance, reaction time performance, and postural control. Muscle endurance was evaluated using the Killy test, reaction time performance using an online simple reaction time test, and postural control using a stabilometric platform under bipodal and semi-tandem stance conditions. Postural assessments were conducted with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) on firm and foam surfaces. All outcomes were measured at baseline and 72 h after the final intervention session.Results After the 8-week intervention, this study demonstrated significant improvements across both groups, irrespective of the intervention. However, TG showed significantly greater post-intervention improvements than NTG in Hb concentration (P = 0.042), muscle endurance (P < 0.001), and postural control. Superior postural control in TG was observed during a bipedal stance on a foam surface (EO: P = 0.001); EC: P = 0.035), as well as during semi-tandem stance on a firm surface (EO: P = 0.015; EC: P = 0.040) and on a foam surface (EO: P = 0.019; EC: P = 0.003), compared to the NTG. With a Bonferroni-adjusted significance threshold for multiple comparisons (α = 0.00625), between-group differences in postural control remained significant for bipedal foam EO (P = 0.001) and semi-tandem foam EC (P = 0.003).Conclusions The study showed that women with IDA improved their postural performance regardless of the intervention used. However, an 8-week program of extremely low-volume HIIT combined with plyometric exercises and iron supplementation had a more beneficial effect compared to traditional iron therapy. These greater improvements in postural control occurred alongside greater improvements in the Hb concentration and muscle endurance in the TG compared to the NTG.