Investigation of the effect of nitrate and L-arginine intake on aerobic, anaerobic performance, balance, agility, and recovery in elite taekwondo athletes
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, cilt.22, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 22 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2445609
- Dergi Adı: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: L-arginine, lactate, lactate, nitrate, Taekwondo, Wingate
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Taekwondo is a complex martial art that requires speed, balance, agility, and endurance. This study aims to examine the effects of nitrate and L-arginine supplementation on acute aerobic and anaerobic performance, balance, agility, and recovery in elite taekwondo athletes. Method: This study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized, crossover study with the participation of 15 experienced taekwondo athletes aged 19.06 ± 0.96 years and 8.93 ± 1.27 years of training experience. Participants visited the laboratory a total of nine times, including a practice session and anthropometric measurements. These visits consisted of eight experimental sessions conducted at 72-hour intervals. The experimental sessions were conducted with nitrate, L-arginine, and a combination of both supplements (NIT*L-ARG) and placebo. Nitrate supplementation was provided by homogenizing fresh spinach (837.40 mg/kg), while L-ARG was given as a single dose of 6 g in powder form three hours before exercise. Results: NIT*L-ARG supplementation significantly improved the anaerobic performance of athletes in Wingate peak power and peak power (w/kg) compared to placebo and in mean power compared to NIT, L-ARG, and PLA. In addition, NIT*L-ARG supplementation significantly improved blood lactate levels and agility performance immediately after Wingate and Shuttle run tests. Conclusion: The combined intake of NIT*L-ARG was found to be effective in improving aerobic, anaerobic, and agility performances as well as fatigue levels of athletes. It was determined that taking NIT and L-ARG supplements alone contributed to the improvement of improving athletes’ performance in Wingate mean power values and subsequent fatigue level compared to PLA.