Effects of Watermelon Juice Consumption on Cardiac Electrophysiological Indices and Blood Pressure in Male Firefighters

Abstract

Introduction: The demanding conditions of firefighting impose significant stress on the cardiovascular system of firefighters, making them susceptible to severe injuries and sudden cardiac events. This study aimed to investigate the effects of watermelon juice consumption on Electrophysiological indices and mean blood pressure in male firefighters.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental pretest–posttest study, 30 male firefighters aged 25–30 from Pakdasht, Tehran, were randomly assigned to two groups: watermelon juice and placebo. The supplement group consumed 500 mL of watermelon juice daily، while the placebo group received a sugar-free watermelon-flavored drink for four weeks. Both groups performed routine firefighter-specific CrossFit training three sessions per week throughout the study, utilizing firefighter-specific workouts designed based on WODs. Each session lasted 45-60 minutes, and the weight lifted was selected at 50-70% of each individual's maximum capacity. Blood pressure and electrocardiograms of the participants were recorded before and after the intervention. Analysis of covariance was used P≤0.05.

Results: Watermelon juice consumption led to a significant reduction in heart rate and mean blood pressure )P=0.001), whereas PR interval, ST segment, and T-wave voltage showed no significant changes P>0.05.

Conclusion: Daily watermelon juice consumption may improve some cardiac function indices and mean blood pressure in male firefighters