Introduction and Objective: The anti-inflammatory effects of resistance training depend on the duration and intensity of training, so reducing muscle damage after exercise by reducing inflammatory responses seems to be crucial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training and curcumin supplementation on inflammatory factors in water polo athletes.

Methodology: The present study was a quasi-experimental study. 24 male water polo athletes aged 18 to 23 years were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, resistance training, supplement group, and resistance training + supplement group through purposive sampling. The resistance training protocol was for eight weeks and three sessions per week with an intensity of 50 to 80% of 1RM. Subjects in the supplement and training-supplement groups consumed 150 mg of curcumin supplement as a tablet three days a week. IL-1 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA 48 hours before and after the training program. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

Findings: The results of the study indicated a significant decrease in IL-1 and TNF-α in the combined exercise group compared to the supplement and control groups (p=0.001). Also, no significant difference was observed between the control and supplement groups (p=0.109).

Conclusion: The significant decrease in IL-1 and TNF-α as a result of strength training and curcumin supplementation creates conditions for reducing inflammation and can combat the side effects of heavy exercise.