The Determination of Efficacy of CircuCare on Blood Circulation and Metabolism: An Animal Model Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether feeding CircuCare to rats improves blood circulation, metabolism, immune regulation, endocrine activity, and oxidative stress. METHODS: 28 eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly randomized into control and experimental groups. The control group was fed with ordinary drinking water, while the experimental group was fed with CircuCare at a daily dose of 93.75 mg per 300 g of body weight over eight weeks. Both groups were subjected to a swimming test, and blood samples were taken to observe any variations in various biochemical parameters before and after the test. Key Findings. The experimental group's mean swimming exhaustion duration was 53.2% longer and had a significantly higher lactic acid removal ratio. Their mean prostaglandin E2 level and mean glucose, cortisol, and glutathione level (30 minutes after swimming test) were also significantly higher. No undesirable impacts from CircuCare relating to general blood biochemistry values and bone mineral density were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that CircuCare can be safely used to increase stamina and exercise capability, expedite the metabolism of lactic acid, accelerate muscle repair, and promote the antioxidant activity of cells in rats.

Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum HFY03 on the Antifatigue and Antioxidation Ability of Running Exhausted Mice.

Yak yogurt is mainly produced in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is a kind of naturally fermented dairy product. It contains abundant microorganisms. Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) HFY03 is a lactic acid bacteria derived from it. Our main research content is to study the influence of LF-HFY03 on the antifatigue and antioxidation ability of running exhausted mice. We gave different doses of LF-HFY03 to mice by gavage for 4 weeks. We selected vitamin C as the positive control group, mainly to study the relationship between antioxidant capacity and fatigue resistance and LF-HFY03 in mice with running exhaustion. The results showed that LF-HFY03 and vitamin C could significantly improve the running time of mice. And with the increase in LF-HFY03 concentration, the exhaustion time of mice was also extended. LF-HFY03 can reduce the content of urea nitrogen and lactic acid and also can increase the content of free fatty acids and liver glycogen. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, serum creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase in mice decreased gradually as the antioxidant peptide level of walnut albumin increased. LF-HFY03 can reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in a quantification-dependent manner and can also increase catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. LF-HFY03 can also increase the expressions of CAT mRNA, Cu/Zn-SOD, and Mn-SOD in the liver of mice. At the same time, LF-HFY03 can also increase the expression of protein of threonine transporter 1 (AST1)/alanine/cysteine/serine, mRNA, nNOS, and eNOS. At the same time, the solution could reduce the expression of TNF-α, syncytin-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results showed that LF-HFY03 has a high development and application prospect as an antifatigue probiotic nutritional supplement.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant supplementation improves 8 km time trial performance in middle-aged trained male cyclists.

BACKGROUND: Exercise increases skeletal muscle reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which may contribute to the onset of muscular fatigue and impair athletic performance. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants such as MitoQ, which contains a ubiquinone moiety and is targeted to mitochondria through the addition of a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium cation, are becoming popular amongst active individuals as they are designed to accumulate within mitochondria and may provide targeted protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effect of MitoQ supplementation on cycling performance is currently unknown. Here, we investigate whether MitoQ supplementation can improve cycling performance measured as time to complete an 8 km time trial. METHOD: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 middle-aged (age: 44 ± 4 years) recreationally trained (VO2peak: 58.5 ± 6.2 ml·kg- 1·min- 1, distance cycled per week during 6 months prior to study enrollment: 158.3 ± 58.4 km) male cyclists completed 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak followed by an 8 km time trial after 28 days of supplementation with MitoQ (20 mg·day- 1) and a placebo. Free F2-isoprostanes were measured in plasma samples collected at rest, after 45 min cycling at 70% VO2peak and after completion of the time trial. Respiratory gases and measures of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also collected. RESULTS: Mean completion time for the time trial was 1.3% faster with MitoQ (12.91 ± 0.94 min) compared to placebo (13.09 ± 0.95 min, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.05, 2.64], d = 0.2). There was no difference in RPE during the time trial between conditions (p = 0.82) despite there being a 4.4% increase in average power output during the time trial following MitoQ supplementation compared to placebo (placebo; 270 ± 51 W, MitoQ; 280 ± 53 W, p = 0.04, 95% CI [0.49, 8.22], d = 0.2). Plasma F2-isoprostanes were lower on completion of the time trial following MitoQ supplementation (35.89 ± 13.6 pg·ml- 1) compared to placebo (44.7 ± 16.9 pg·ml- 1 p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that MitoQ supplementation may be an effective nutritional strategy to attenuate exercise-induced increases in oxidative damage to lipids and improve cycling performance.

Tomato powder is more effective than lycopene to alleviate exercise-induced lipid peroxidation in well-trained male athletes: randomized, double-blinded cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of nutritional supplements to optimize recovery is gaining popularity among athletes. Tomatoes contain micronutrients and various bioactive components with antioxidant properties. Many of the health benefits of tomatoes have been attributed to lycopene encouraging athletes to consume pure lycopene supplements. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of tomato powder and lycopene supplement on lipid peroxidation induced by exhaustive exercise in well-trained male athletes. METHODS: Eleven well-trained male athletes participated in a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study. Each subject underwent three exhaustive exercise tests after 1-week supplementation of tomato powder (each serving contained 30 mg lycopene, 5.38 mg beta-carotene, 22.32 mg phytoene, 9.84 mg phytofluene), manufactured lycopene supplement (30 mg lycopene), or placebo. Three blood samples (baseline, post-ingestion and post-exercise) were collected to assess total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) and variables of lipid peroxidation including malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures of ANOVA at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Tomato powder enhanced total antioxidant capacity (12% increase, P = 0.04). Exhaustive exercise, regardless of supplement/ placebo, elevated MDA and 8-isoprostane levels (P < 0.001). The elevation of 8-isoprostane following exhaustive exercise was lower in the tomato powder treatment compared to the placebo (9% versus 24%, p = 0.01). Furthermore, following exhaustive exercise MDA elevated to a lower extent in tomatoe powder treatment compared to the placebo (20% versus 51%, p = 0.009). However, such differences were not indicated between lycopene and placebo treatments (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Beneficial effects of tomato powder on antioxidant capacity and exercise-induced lipid peroxidation may be brought about by a synergistic interaction of lycopene with other bioactive nutrients rather than single lycopene.

Branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves cycling performance in untrained cyclists.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of acute branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on cycling performance and neuromuscular fatigue during a prolonged, self-paced cycling time-trial. DESIGN: Randomised double-blind counterbalanced crossover. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally active men (mean±SD; age: 24.7±4.8 years old; body-weight, BW: 67.1±6.1kg; height: 171.7±4.9cm) performed a cycling time-trial on an electromagnetically-braked cycle ergometer. Participants were instructed to complete the individualised total work in the shortest time possible, while ingesting either BCAAs (pre-exercise: 0.084gkg-1 BW; during exercise: 0.056gkg-1h-1) or a non-caloric placebo solution. Rating of perceived exertion, power, cadence and heart rate were recorded throughout, while maximal voluntary contraction, muscle voluntary activation level and electrically evoked torque using single and doublet stimulations were assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise and 20-min post-exercise. RESULTS: Supplementation with BCAA reduced (287.9±549.7s; p=0.04) time-to-completion and ratings of perceived exertion (p≤0.01), while concomitantly increasing heart rate (p=0.02). There were no between-group differences (BCAA vs placebo) in any of the neuromuscular parameters, but significant decreases (All p≤0.01) in maximal voluntary contraction, muscle voluntary activation level and electrically evoked torque (single and doublet stimulations) were recorded immediately following the trial, and these did not recover to pre-exercise values by the 20min recovery time-point. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a non-caloric placebo, acute BCAA supplementation significantly improved performance in cycling time-trial among recreationally active individuals without any notable changes in either central or peripheral factors. This improved performance with acute BCAA supplementation was associated with a reduced rating of perceived exertion.

The Performance Effect of Scheduled Carbohydrate and Caffeine Intake during Simulated Team Sport Match-Play.

The aim of the current investigation was to identify the effects of scheduled carbohydrate (CHO) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation on simulated team sport match-play performance. Ten male hurling players completed three hurling match-play simulation protocols (HSP) performed 7 days apart in a double-blind, randomized design. Supplementation included CHO, CHO + CAF, and placebo (PLA). In a randomized order, participants ingested either a 6% CHO solution, a PLA solution of similar taste, or a combined intake of 6% CHO solution + 200 mg CAF capsule. At specific time points (Pre-0 min; half time (HT)-30 min; full time (FT)-60 min), participants completed a repeated sprint protocol (RAST; 12 × 20 m). Physiological [% maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max), % mean oxygen uptake (%VO2mean), % maximal heart rate (%HRmax), % mean heart rate (%HRmean), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BLa)] and performance [(best sprint time (RSAbest), mean sprint time (RSAmean), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE)] variables were monitored throughout each simulation. Non-significant differences were observed between supplement trials (CHO, CHO + CAF, and PLA) for BLa (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2max (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2mean (η2 = 0.004, small), %HRmax (η2 = 0.007, small), %HRmean (η2 = 0.018, small), RER (η2 = 0.007, small), RPE (η2 = 0.007, small), and RSAbest (η2 = 0.050, small). RSAmean performance significantly improved in CHO + CAF trials compared to PLA, with sprint times significantly improved from Pre to FT also (η2 = 0.135, medium). A significant difference was observed in BLa between time points (Pre, HT, and FT) (η2 = 0.884, large) in % HRmax (η2 = 0.202, medium), %HRmean (η2 = 0.477, large), and RER (η2 = 0.554, large) across halves and in RPE across time points (η2 = 0.670, large). Our data provide novel data regarding the effects of CHO and CAF supplementation on team sport performance, with co-ingestion of CHO + CAF reducing the decrement in repeated sprint performance compared to PLA.

Muscle Fatigue-Alleviating Effects of a Prescription Composed of Polygonati Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Long-term muscle fatigue is a major cause of injury. Drugs/nutrients from herbal medicines that prevent fatigue remain a major research focus. In China, a prescription composed of Polygonati Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma has been commonly used as a herb and food nutrient, providing protection against fatigue in the clinic. To date, the mechanisms through which this prescription prevented fatigue are unknown. Here, we identified the effects of this prescription on muscle fatigue based on energy and oxidation regulation. Fatigue mouse models were produced through weight-bearing exhaustive swimming. Mice were intragastrically administered prescription extracts (1 and 2 g/kg) for four weeks. Changes in exhaustive swimming times, antifatigue biochemical indicators, oxidative status, and energy metabolism were investigated. The prescription prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of the mice. The content of lactic acid and blood urea nitrogen in the serum was also markedly reduced by the prescription. The content of liver glycogen and lactate dehydrogenase in the serum increased. The prescription also significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The levels of ATPase, complexes I and II in the mitochondria of hind-leg skeletal muscle, and serum creatine kinase also increased in response to the prescription. Our results indicated that the prescription could effectively alleviate muscle fatigue status by promoting energy metabolism and antioxidation ability. The prescription therefore represents a useful drug/nutrient strategy to alleviate muscle fatigue.

Oral taurine improves critical power and severe-intensity exercise tolerance.

This study investigated the effects of acute oral taurine ingestion on: (1) the power-time relationship using the 3-min all-out test (3MAOT); (2) time to exhaustion (TTE) 5% > critical power (CP) and (3) the estimated time to complete (Tlim) a range of fixed target intensities. Twelve males completed a baseline 3MAOT test on a cycle ergometer. Following this, a double-blind, randomised cross-over design was followed, where participants were allocated to one of four conditions, separated by 72 h: TTE + taurine; TTE + placebo; 3MAOT + taurine; 3MAOT + placebo. Taurine was provided at 50 mg kg-1, whilst the placebo was 3 mg kg-1 maltodextrin. CP was higher (P < 0.05) in taurine (212 ± 36 W) than baseline (197 ± 40 W) and placebo (193 ± 35 W). Work end power was not affected by supplement (P > 0.05), yet TTE 5% > CP increased (P < 0.05) by 1.7 min after taurine (17.7 min) compared to placebo (16.0 min) and there were higher (P < 0.001) estimated Tlim across all work targets. Acute supplementation of 50 mg kg-1 of taurine improved CP and estimated performance at a range of severe work intensities. Oral taurine can be taken prior to exercise to enhance endurance performance.

Enhancement of Exercise Performance by 48 Hours, and 15-Day Supplementation with Mangiferin and Luteolin in Men.

The natural polyphenols mangiferin and luteolin have free radical-scavenging properties, induce the antioxidant gene program and down-regulate the expression of superoxide-producing enzymes. However, the effects of these two polyphenols on exercise capacity remains mostly unknown. To determine whether a combination of luteolin (peanut husk extract containing 95% luteolin, PHE) and mangiferin (mango leave extract (MLE), Zynamite®) at low (PHE: 50 mg/day; and 140 mg/day of MLE containing 100 mg of mangiferin; L) and high doses (PHE: 100 mg/day; MLE: 420 mg/day; H) may enhance exercise performance, twelve physically active men performed incremental exercise to exhaustion, followed by sprint and endurance exercise after 48 h (acute effects) and 15 days of supplementation (prolonged effects) with polyphenols or placebo, following a double-blind crossover design. During sprint exercise, mangiferin + luteolin supplementation enhanced exercise performance, facilitated muscle oxygen extraction, and improved brain oxygenation, without increasing the VO2. Compared to placebo, mangiferin + luteolin increased muscle O2 extraction during post-exercise ischemia, and improved sprint performance after ischemia-reperfusion likely by increasing glycolytic energy production, as reflected by higher blood lactate concentrations after the sprints. Similar responses were elicited by the two doses tested. In conclusion, acute and prolonged supplementation with mangiferin combined with luteolin enhances performance, muscle O2 extraction, and brain oxygenation during sprint exercise, at high and low doses.

An Exploratory Double-Blind Study of Caffeine Effects on Performance and Perceived Exertion in Judo.

This study analyzed the effects of caffeine ingestion during judo matches on judo athletes' match-derived performance and perceived exertion responses. We applied a double-blind randomized crossover (caffeine vs. placebo conditions) research design. Twelve male athletes performed three 5-minute matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest. Immediately after each match, the athletes completed ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), and one minute before beginning the second and third matches, they provided ratings of perceived recovery (RPRs). We filmed all matches for subsequent analysis of the athletes' technical skills. We found no interaction between condition and time of RPE, RPR, and match-derived technical variables, but number of attacks and RPR decreased over the matches, and RPE increased in both conditions. Three participants showed individual positive responses to caffeine ingestion for number of attacks. Attacks, efficiency, and effectiveness presented low sensitivity in both conditions, as only large changes could be identified. We conclude that caffeine ingestion did not provoke changes in either perceived exertion or match-derived performance. Match-derived technical variables were not sensitive for detecting small or medium effects of caffeine, but perceived exertion may detect at least medium effect after caffeine ingestion.

Creatine supplementation can improve impact control in high-intensity interval training.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on biomechanical parameters related to shock attenuation during a session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). METHODS: A single-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design was adopted to test eight male elite soccer players during HIIT sessions under two conditions: after placebo supplementation and after Cr supplementation. HIIT test sessions consisted of an intermittent test (five bouts of running) with a constant load applied until exhaustion was reached. The vertical component of ground reaction force and electromyography data were recorded by Gaitway and Lynx-EMG Systems, respectively. Heart rate, rated perceived exertion (Borg's Scale) and lactate concentration information were also obtained. RESULTS: Cr supplementation did not affect heart rate, rated perceived exertion, and lactate concentration. Decreased values of magnitude of the first peak of the vertical component of ground reaction force (17.2-24.2%) and impulse of the first 50 ms (Imp50; 34.3%) were observed for Cr, but higher values of time to reach the first peak were detected for Cr compared with placebo. Significant modifications in muscle activation were also observed, mainly in the pre-activation phase, and changes were observed in intermediary bouts. CONCLUSIONS: Cr supplementation has the potential to influence biomechanical parameters related to impact control during a single session of HIIT based on running. In particular, the findings of the current study indicate possible improvements in shock attenuation and a safer practice of HIIT under Cr supplementation.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation Inhibits the Decrease in Concentric Work Output and Muscle Swelling of the Elbow Flexors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that 8-week eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation improves peripheral muscle performance by concentric contractions (CONs) of elbow flexors in humans. METHODS: Sixteen healthy men were randomly administered with EPA and DHA supplement (EPA, n = 8) or placebo (PL, n = 8) by a double-blind method. The EPA group was administered EPA-rich fish oil, containing 600 mg EPA and 260 mg DHA per day for 8 weeks. The subjects performed 5 sets of 6 maximal CONs of elbow flexors. The work output and peak torque were assessed during exercise. Changes in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque, range of motion (ROM), upper arm circumference, muscle fatigue by rating of perceived exertion, transverse relaxation time, cross-sectional area (CSA), and lactate in blood were also assessed before, immediately after, and 1 day after exercise. RESULTS: The work output during CONs in the EPA group was greater than that in the placebo group at the fifth set (EPA group; 94.0 ± 11.7%, placebo group; 82.5 ± 11.7%, p < 0.05). In addition, ROM in the EPA group was significantly greater than that in the placebo group immediately after exercise (p < 0.05). The increase of CSA in the EPA group was significantly smaller than that in the placebo group immediately after exercise (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the reduction of muscle work output caused by 30 CONs can be attenuated by an 8-week EPA and DHA supplementation. In addition, EPA and DHA supplementation can cause inhibition for reduction of ROM and increase of CSA after CONs.

The effects of beetroot juice supplementation on exercise economy, rating of perceived exertion and running mechanics in elite distance runners: A double-blinded, randomized study.

PURPOSE: Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation has been extensively used to increase exercise economy in different populations. However, its use in elite distance runners, and its potential effects on biomechanical aspects of running have not been properly investigated. This study aims to analyze the potential effects of 15 days of beetroot juice supplementation on physiological, psychological and biomechanical variables in elite runners. METHODS: Twelve elite middle and long-distance runners (age = 26.3 ± 5.1yrs, VO2Max = 71.8±5.2 ml*kg-1*min-1) completed an incremental running test to exhaustion on a treadmill before and after a 15-days supplementation period, in which half of the group (EG) consumed a daily nitrate-rich beetroot juice and the other group (PG) consumed a placebo drink. Time to exhaustion (TEx), running economy, vastus lateralis oxygen saturation (SmO2), leg stiffness and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at 15, 17.1 and 20 km/h during the incremental test. RESULTS: Likely to very likely improvements in EG were observed for the RPE (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = -2.17, 90%CI = -3.23, -1.1), SmO2 (SMD = 0.72, 90%CI = 0.03, 1.41) and TEx (SMD = 1.18, 90%CI = -0.14, 2.5) in comparison with PG. No other physiological or biomechanical variable showed substantial improvements after the supplementation period. CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen days of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation produced substantial improvements in the time to exhaustion in elite runners; however, it didn't produce meaningful improvements in running economy, VO2Max or mechanical parameters.

Increasing effort without noticing: A randomized controlled pilot study about the ergogenic placebo effect in endurance athletes and the role of supplement salience.

PURPOSE: Previous research shows that endurance performance can be enhanced by placebo ergogenic aids. This study investigates the ergogenic placebo response, which we define as an increase in objective and physiological effort without an increase in subjective effort, in competitive cyclists. The primary objective of this study is to explore the role of supplement salience in the ergogenic placebo response, while the secondary aim is to assess whether believing to have taken an inactive placebo supplement attenuates the desired ergogenic effect. METHODS: We employed a double-blind placebo-controlled study design and compared a high salience (pudding) to a low salience (capsules) ergogenic placebo supplement and to a no treatment control group. Thirty-four male athletes (30.0 ± 5.7 years) performed two self-regulated time trials on an isokinetic cycling ergometer, one without intervention serving as a baseline and one with intervention according to group assignment. At both time trials, power output (objective effort), blood lactate (physiological effort) and the rating of perceived exertion (subjective effort) were measured. RESULTS: Receiving a high salience supplement can increase physiological and objective effort without a proportional rise in subjective effort, suggesting a decoupling of perceived exertion and endurance performance. Low salience and control group both showed no such ergogenic placebo response. Athletes' belief concerning the true nature of the ergogenic aid (inactive placebo vs. ergogenic supplement) did not influence the ergogenic placebo response. CONCLUSION: High salience placebo ergogenic aids can elicit enhanced performance without the athlete noticing (exertion), and deception of athletes seems unnecessary as even believing to have received an inactive placebo supplement maintains the ergogenic placebo response.

Effect of nicotine on repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise in nicotine naïve individuals.

PURPOSE: Nicotine is a psychostimulant that is reported to be commonly supplemented by athletes. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of a rapidly absorbed form of nicotine on repeated bouts of anaerobic exercise, perception of exertion and a range of cardiovascular variables while monitoring side effect profiles. METHODS: Sixteen healthy, nicotine naïve male athletes (24.1 ± 5.3 years, 179.0 ± 8.8 cm, 81.7 ± 13.5 kg, BMI 25.5 ± 3.0, Body fat% 13.2 ± 5.1%) completed two repeated 30 s Wingate tests with 3 min rest between bouts following consumption of either a 5-mg oral-dispersible nicotine strip (NIC) or a flavour-matched placebo (PLA) in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over design. Before the Wingate test, resting heart rate and blood pressure were also measured prior to and following PLA and NIC ingestion. RESULTS: Peak and average power output were significantly greater following NIC administration compared to PLA (P < 0.01). Similarly, significant increases were also seen in heart rate and blood pressure following NIC administration compared to PLA (P < 0.01). No significant effect on pre-exercise side effect score, reaction time, rate of perceived exertion or post exercise blood lactate levels were observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that oral-dispersible nicotine strips increase repeated anaerobic performance, possibly through strong sympathetic stimulation, as evident by significant elevation of cardiovascular parameters.

Acute Capsaicin Supplementation Improves Resistance Training Performance in Trained Men.

Conrado de Freitas, M, Cholewa, JM, Freire, RV, Carmo, BA, Bottan, J, Bratfich, M, Della Bandeira, MP, Gonçalves, DC, Caperuto, EC, Lira, FS, and Rossi, FE. Acute capsaicin supplementation improves resistance training performance in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2227-2232, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of capsaicin supplementation on performance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentrations during resistance exercise in healthy trained young men. Ten resistance-trained men (age = 22.7 ± 4.0 years, mass = 82.3 ± 9.6 kg, and height = 175 ± 0.1 cm) completed 2 randomized, double-blind trials: capsaicin condition (12 mg) or a placebo condition. Forty-five minutes after supplement consumption, subjects performed 4 sets until movement failure in the squat exercise at 70% of 1 repetition maximum with 90 seconds of rest interval between sets. The total mass lifted (total repetitions × mass lifted) was calculated. The RPE was recorded after the last set. Blood lactate was analyzed after each set of exercise, immediately postexercise, and after 3, 5, and at 30 minutes during recovery. The number of repetitions in each set decreased significantly after all sets compared with set-1 and after set-3 and set-4 in relation to set-2 (p < 0.001); however, total mass lifted was higher in capsaicin compared with placebo (3,919.4 ± 1,227.4 kg vs. 3,179.6 ± 942.4 kg, p = 0.002). Blood lactate increased significantly after each set (p < 0.001); however, there were no differences between conditions. Rate of perceived exertion was significantly less for the capsaicin condition than placebo (17.2 ± 1.0 vs. 18.3 ± 1.7, p = 0.048). In summary, acute capsaicin supplementation improves lower-body resistance training performance in trained young men.

Acute Capsaicin Supplementation Improves 1,500-m Running Time-Trial Performance and Rate of Perceived Exertion in Physically Active Adults.

de Freitas, MC, Cholewa, JM, Gobbo, LA, de Oliveira, JVNS, Lira, FS, and Rossi, FE. Acute capsaicin supplementation improves 1,500-m running time-trial performance and rate of perceived exertion in physically active adults. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 572-577, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of capsaicin supplementation on performance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentrations during short-duration running in physically active adults. Ten physically active men (age = 23.5 ± 1.9 years, mass = 78.3 ± 12.4 kg, and height = 177.9 ± 5.9 cm) completed 2 randomized, double-blind trials: Capsaicin condition (12 mg) or a placebo condition. Forty-five minutes after supplement consumption, the participants performed a 1,500-m running time trial. Time (in seconds) was recorded. Blood lactate concentration was analyzed at rest, immediately after exercise, after 5, 10, and 30 minutes during recovery and the RPE was collected after exercise. The time was significantly (t = 3.316, p = 0.009) lower in the capsaicin (371.6 ± 40.8 seconds) compared with placebo (376.7 ± 39 seconds). Rate of perceived exertion was significantly (t = 2.753, p = 0.022) less in the capsaicin (18.0 ± 1.9) compared with the placebo (18.8 ± 1.3). Lactate increased across time for both conditions without significant differences between (p > 0.05). In summary, acute capsaicin supplementation improves middle distance running (1,500 m) performance and reduced RPE in physically active adults.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Optimal Individual Post-Activation Potentiation Time of the Upper Body in Canoeists.

Creatine supplementation reduces the impact of muscle fatigue on post-activation potentiation (PAP) of the lower body, but its effects on the upper body remain unknown. This study examined the effects of creatine supplementation on muscle strength, explosive power, and optimal individual PAP time of the upper body during a set of complex training bouts in canoeists. Seventeen male high school canoeists performed a bench row for one repetition at maximum strength and conducted complex training bouts to determine the optimal individual timing of PAP and distance of overhead medicine ball throw before and after the supplementation. Subjects were assigned to a creatine or placebo group, and later consumed 20 g of creatine or carboxymethyl cellulose per day for six days. After supplementation, the maximal strength in the creatine group significantly increased (p < 0.05). The optimal individual PAP time in the creatine group was significantly earlier than the pre-supplementation times (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in explosive power for either group. Our findings support the notion that creatine supplementation increases maximal strength and shortens the optimal individual PAP time of the upper body in high school athletes, but has no effect on explosive power. Moreover, it was found that the recovery time between a bench row and an overhead medicine ball throw in a complex training bout is an individual phenomenon.

Cornu cervi pantotrichum supplementation improves physiological adaptions during intensive endurance training.

Cornu cervi pantotrichum (CCP), used in traditional Chinese medicine, is a well-known yang-invigorating agent with multifunctional bioactivities. We previously showed, through an acute exercise challenge, that short-term CCP supplementation improved physical activities and fatigue-associated biochemical indices. Questions about the long-term effects of CCP treatment on exercise performance and physical fatigue, as well as safety, with intensive exercise training need further research. ICR-strain mice were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) sedentary control and vehicle treatment (SC); (2) exercise training with vehicle treatment (ET); and (3) ET with CCP treatment at 4,108 mg/kg/day (ET+CCP). We assessed the physical performance, body compositions, and serum levels of lactate, ammonia, glucose and creatine kinase (CK) after an acute exercise challenge. The ET and ET+CCP groups had significantly increased grip strength and endurance swimming time, and decreased serum lactate and ammonia levels after the acute exercise challenge than the SC group. Moreover, serum ammonia and CK levels in the ET+CCP group were significantly decreased when compared to that of the ET only group. In regard to the body composition, the ET+CCP group inhibits the decrease in fat tissue, and related biochemical changes induced by the high intensity endurance training CCP supplementation combined with high-intensity endurance exercise could significantly improve the physiological adaptions related to fatigue or energy consumption and maintain the fat composition when compared to treatment with training only. Therefore, CCP may potentially improve the physiological adaptions in intensive exercise training.

Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on performance and muscle fatigue in athletes and non-athletes of different sports: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-alanine (BA) is a non-essential amino acid that can be synthesized in the liver and obtained from diet, particularly from white and red meat. Increased availability of BA via dietary supplement, may improve performance of athletes. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the use of BA supplementation as an ergogenic aid to improve performance and fatigue resistance in athletes and non-athletes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In this systematic review, a search in PubMed and Bireme databases was performed for the terms "beta-alanine," "beta-alanine and exercise," "carnosine" or "carnosine and exercise" in the titles or abstracts. We included randomized, clinical trials published between 2005 and 2015. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-three studies were selected. Most of them included physically active individuals. The mean intervention period was 5.2±1.8 weeks, and mean BA dose was 4.8±1.3 g/day. The main outcome measures were blood lactate, pH, perceived exertion, power and physical working capacity at fatigue threshold. After BA supplementation, no statistically significant difference was observed in total work, exercise performance time, oxygen consumption and time to exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS: BA supplementation seems to improve perceived exertion and biochemical parameters related to muscle fatigue and less evidence was found for improvement in performance.