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10 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Hydrogen Mitigates Performance Decrement during Repeated Sprints in Professional Soccer Players

by Michal Botek, Deepesh Khanna, Jakub Krejčí, Michal Valenta, Andrew McKune, Barbora Sládečková and Iva Klimešová

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 508; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14030508 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4053

Abstract

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) supplementation has been shown to have an antifatigue effect across different modes of exercise. However, its effect on repeated sprint performance is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre-exercise HRW consumption on repeated sprint [...] Read more.

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) supplementation has been shown to have an antifatigue effect across different modes of exercise. However, its effect on repeated sprint performance is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre-exercise HRW consumption on repeated sprint performance, lactate, and perceptual responses using a repeated sprint protocol. This randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled, crossover study included 16 professional, male soccer players aged 18.8 ± 1.2 years. Athletes performed two indoor tests, particularly 15 × 30 m track sprints interspersed by 20 s of recovery, separated by a 1-week washout period. Sprint time was measured at 15 m and 30 m. Ratings of perceived exertion were assessed immediately after each sprint, and post-exercise blood lactate concentration was measured after the last sprint. There were significantly faster sprint times after HRW consumption compared with placebo at 15 m for the 14th and 15th sprints, representing improvements in time of 3.4% and 2.7%, respectively. Sprint time at 30 m also significantly improved by 1.9% in the HRW group in the last sprint. However, neither lactate concentrations nor ratings of perceived exertion were significantly different between HRW and placebo. Pre-exercise HRW supplementation is associated with an increased ability to reduce fatigue, especially during the later stages of repeated sprint exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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17 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Short-Term Phosphate Loading on Aerobic Capacity under Acute Hypoxia in Cyclists: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

by Kamila Płoszczyca, Małgorzata Chalimoniuk, Iwona Przybylska and Miłosz Czuba

Nutrients 2022, 14(2), 236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14020236 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2156

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium phosphate (SP) supplementation on aerobic capacity in hypoxia. Twenty-four trained male cyclists received SP (50 mg·kg⁻¹ of FFM/day) or placebo for six days in a randomized, crossover study, with a [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium phosphate (SP) supplementation on aerobic capacity in hypoxia. Twenty-four trained male cyclists received SP (50 mg·kg⁻¹ of FFM/day) or placebo for six days in a randomized, crossover study, with a three-week washout period between supplementation phases. Before and after each supplementation phase, the subjects performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion in hypoxia (FiO₂ = 16%). Additionally, the levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), inorganic phosphate (Pi), calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and acid-base balance were determined. The results showed that phosphate loading significantly increased the Pi level by 9.0%, whereas 2,3-DPG levels, hemoglobin oxygen affinity, buffering capacity and myocardial efficiency remained unchanged. The aerobic capacity in hypoxia was not improved following SP. Additionally, our data revealed high inter-individual variability in response to SP. Therefore, the participants were grouped as Responders and Non-Responders. In the Responders, a significant increase in aerobic performance in the range of 3–5% was observed. In conclusion, SP supplementation is not an ergogenic aid for aerobic capacity in hypoxia. However, in certain individuals, some benefits can be expected, but mainly in athletes with less training-induced central and/or peripheral adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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18 pages, 1446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Programmed vs. Thirst-Driven Drinking during Prolonged Cycling in a Warm Environment

by David Jeker, Pascale Claveau, Mohamed El Fethi Abed, Thomas A. Deshayes, Claude Lajoie, Philippe Gendron, Martin D. Hoffman and Eric D. B. Goulet

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14010141 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2274

Abstract

We compared the effect of programmed (PFI) and thirst-driven (TDFI) fluid intake on prolonged cycling performance and exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC). Eight male endurance athletes (26 ± 6 years) completed two trials consisting of 5 h of cycling at 61% [...] Read more.

We compared the effect of programmed (PFI) and thirst-driven (TDFI) fluid intake on prolonged cycling performance and exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC). Eight male endurance athletes (26 ± 6 years) completed two trials consisting of 5 h of cycling at 61%

\dot{V} O_{2 peak}

followed by a 20 km time-trial (TT) in a randomized crossover sequence at 30 °C, 35% relative humidity. EAMC was assessed after the TT with maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the shortened right plantar flexors. Water intake was either programmed to limit body mass loss to 1% (PFI) or consumed based on perceived thirst (TDFI). Body mass loss reached 1.5 ± 1.0% for PFI and 2.5 ± 0.9% for TDFI (p = 0.10). Power output during the 20 km TT was higher (p < 0.05) for PFI (278 ± 41 W) than TDFI (263 ± 39 W), but the total performance time, including the breaks to urinate, was similar (p = 0.48) between conditions. The prevalence of EAMC of the plantar flexors was similar between the drinking conditions. Cyclists competing in the heat for over 5 h may benefit from PFI aiming to limit body mass loss to <2% when a high intensity effort is required in the later phase of the race and when time lost for urination is not a consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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14 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit^® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, Miguel del Valle Soto, David P. Adams, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal and Jesús Seco-Calvo

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3969; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13113969 - 07 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 12435

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit^® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation [...] Read more.

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit^® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation improve body composition, hormonal response, and performance among CrossFit^® athletes. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 healthy CrossFit^®-trained males were randomly allocated to receive either 770 mg of TT supplementation or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Body mass, fat mass, fat composition, testosterone and cortisol levels, and CrossFit^® performance (5 common Workouts of the Day: back squat, bench press, dead lift, Grace, and CrossFit^® Total) were assessed before and after intervention. There were no significant group x time interactions for the outcomes of the study except for testosterone levels and bench press performance (p < 0.05). TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit^® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

13 pages, 1113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Sodium Phosphate Supplementation on the Cardiorespiratory System and Gross Efficiency during Exercise under Hypoxia in Male Cyclists: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study

by Kamila Płoszczyca, Robert Gajda and Miłosz Czuba

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3556; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13103556 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2907

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of six days of tri-sodium phosphate (SP) supplementation on the cardiorespiratory system and gross efficiency (GE) during exercise under hypoxia in cyclists. Twenty trained male cyclists received SP (50 mg·kg⁻¹ of [...] Read more.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of six days of tri-sodium phosphate (SP) supplementation on the cardiorespiratory system and gross efficiency (GE) during exercise under hypoxia in cyclists. Twenty trained male cyclists received SP (50 mg·kg⁻¹ of fat-free mass/day) or placebo for six days in a randomized, cross-over study, with a three-week washout period between supplementation phases. Before and after each supplementation phase, the subjects performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion under normobaric hypoxia (FiO₂ = 16%, ~2500 m). It was observed that short-term SP supplementation led to a decrease in heart rate, an increase in stroke volume, and an improvement in oxygen pulse (VO₂/HR) during low and moderate-intensity exercise under hypoxia. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the serum inorganic phosphate level by 8.7% (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in serum calcium levels. GE at a given workload did not change significantly after SP supplementation. These results indicated that SP promotes improvements in the efficiency of the cardiorespiratory system during exercise in a hypoxic environment. Thus, SP supplementation may be beneficial for endurance exercise in hypoxia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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12 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Caffeine on Jumping Performance and Maximal Strength in Female Collegiate Athletes

by Benjamin I. Burke, S. Kyle Travis, Jeremy A. Gentles, Kimitake Sato, Henry M. Lang and Caleb D. Bazyler

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2496; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13082496 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5021

Abstract

Caffeine is often used in a variety of forms to enhance athletic performance; however, research regarding caffeine’s effects on strength and power in female athletes is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of caffeine anhydrous (6 [...] Read more.

Caffeine is often used in a variety of forms to enhance athletic performance; however, research regarding caffeine’s effects on strength and power in female athletes is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of caffeine anhydrous (6 mg/kg of body mass) on jumping performance and maximal strength in female collegiate athletes. Eleven athletes (19.7 ± 0.9 yrs; 166.4 ± 10.2 cm, 67.7 ± 9.4 kg) performed two testing sessions separated by one week, and randomly received caffeine or placebo using a double-blind approach. Heart rate, blood pressure, and tympanic temperature were recorded before athletes received each condition, following 60 min of quiet sitting, and directly after performance testing. Athletes were assessed on unweighted and weighted squat jump height (SJH0, SJH20) and countermovement jump height (CMJH0, CMJH20), isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (IPF), and rate of force development from 0–200 ms (RFD200). Resting systolic blood pressure was significantly greater following caffeine administration compared to a placebo (p = 0.017). There were small, significant differences in SJH0 (p = 0.035, g = 0.35), SJH20 (p = 0.002, g = 0.49), CMJH0 (p = 0.015, g = 0.19), and CMJH20 (p < 0.001, g = 0.37) in favor of caffeine over placebo. However, there was no significant difference in IPF (p = 0.369, g = 0.12) and RFD200 (p = 0.235, g = 0.32) between conditions. Therefore, caffeine appears to enhance jumping performance, but not maximal strength in female collegiate athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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8 pages, 445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes

by Flavia Figlioli, Antonino Bianco, Ewan Thomas, Valdemar Stajer, Darinka Korovljev, Tatjana Trivic, Nebojsa Maksimovic and Patrik Drid

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1063; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13041063 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3275

Abstract

Background: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an [...] Read more.

Background: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. Methods: The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m²): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. Results: Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. Conclusions: This study’s results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose “less harmful” methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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Review

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27 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessReview

Energy Requirements and Nutritional Strategies for Male Soccer Players: A Review and Suggestions for Practice

by Andrew T. Hulton, James J. Malone, Neil D. Clarke and Don P. M. MacLaren

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14030657 - 04 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 14382

Abstract

Soccer is a high intensity intermittent sport, featuring critical events completed at high/maximal intensity which is superimposed onto an aerobic base of lower intensity activities and rest. Due to these varying energic demands and the duration of competition the need for optimal nutritional [...] Read more.

Soccer is a high intensity intermittent sport, featuring critical events completed at high/maximal intensity which is superimposed onto an aerobic base of lower intensity activities and rest. Due to these varying energic demands and the duration of competition the need for optimal nutritional strategies to offset and delay fatigue are paramount. Over the last 50 years, several investigations have been reported on aspects of soccer be they nutrition-focused or those concerning the demands of the sport. Emanating from these scientific papers, observations have been made on the likely factors which result in the fatigue during match-play. Factors such as muscle glycogen depletion and hypoglycaemia are discussed. Studies on the energy demands of soccer have employed a variety of methodologies which are briefly reviewed and vary between the use of heart rate telemetry to the use of global positioning systems (GPS). Moving on from observations of the energy demands of the sport leads to the major focus of this review which highlights key nutritional strategies to support the preparation and recovery of male soccer players to enhance performance, or at least to enable players to perform adequately. This review examines relevant methodologies in assessing training and competitive energy costs as well as the concomitant energy intakes demanded for successful performance outcomes. In order to bring an applied aspect to the overall findings from areas discussed, some practical ideas of feeding strategies are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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22 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessReview

Manipulation of Dietary Intake on Changes in Circulating Testosterone Concentrations

by Amit Zamir, Tavor Ben-Zeev and Jay R. Hoffman

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3375; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13103375 - 25 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 18527

Abstract

Elevations in the circulating concentration of androgens are thought to have a positive effect on the anabolic processes leading to improved athletic performance. Anabolic-androgenic steroids have often been used by competitive athletes to augment this effect. Although there has been concerted effort on [...] Read more.

Elevations in the circulating concentration of androgens are thought to have a positive effect on the anabolic processes leading to improved athletic performance. Anabolic-androgenic steroids have often been used by competitive athletes to augment this effect. Although there has been concerted effort on examining how manipulating training variables (e.g., intensity and volume of training) can influence the androgen response to exercise, there has been much less effort directed at understanding how changes in both macronutrient and micronutrient intake can impact the androgen response. Thus, the focus of this review is to examine the effect that manipulating energy and nutrient intake has on circulating concentrations of testosterone and what the potential mechanism is governing these changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Intervention in Competitive Athletes)

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