Research Trends of Iranian Scholars on the Effects of Exercise and Ginger Supplementation on Insulin Resistance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Shahin Riyahi  Malayeri; Mohammad Ali  Azarbayjani; Nastaran  Amini; Azadeh  Abdolahzadeh

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v25i4.20237

Shahin Riyahi Malayeri Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, ET.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Nastaran Amini Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh Abdolahzadeh Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v25i4.20237

Keywords: Insulin Resistance, Ginger Supplement, Training, Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Background: Insulin resistance plays a fundamental role in disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Regular physical activity and the use of medicinal plants are important strategies for its reduction and management. Ginger has attracted research attention due to its phytochemical compounds that influence insulin signaling pathways. Despite numerous studies, a bibliometric analysis examining the effects of exercise and ginger supplementation on insulin resistance has not yet been conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the trends in Iranian research in this field.

Methods: In a bibliometric review, the keywords “training,” “ginger supplementation,” and “insulin resistance” were searched in the Magiran database. According to the entry criteria, 13 eligible articles were selected and data extracted from them, including writing pattern, collaboration, prolific authors and institutions, selected journals and study trends, and common keywords were extracted from the database of recipients and analyzed using VOSviewer software. Results: The results indicated that 36 authors had an average of 3.23 ± 0.89 cooperation in writing articles. Fifty-four percent of the articles were published by public university faculty and 46% by independent universities. The most frequent keywords included "ginger", "insulin resistance", "obesity", "diabetes mellitus", "irisin" and "lipid peroxidation".

Conclusion: The results of this bibliometric study showed that exercise with ginger supplement reduced insulin resistance. In particular, 84% of the articles showed the positive effect of combined exercises (resistance and aerobic exercises) along with ginger supplements on the reduction of insulin resistance. Compared to other types of exercise, these exercises have had the greatest effect on improving the glycemic profile and body composition. In addition, high intensity interval training (HIIT) has also shown positive effects on reducing insulin resistance, but is not as effective as combined training. Also, due to the relationship between insulin resistance and various diseases, it is felt to conduct more studies on diverse statistical populations and people suffering from various diseases.