Effects of 4 Weeks of β-Alanine Supplementation on Swim-Performance Parameters in Water Polo Players

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 943-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Motta Pinheiro Brisola ◽  
Fabio Milioni ◽  
Marcelo Papoti ◽  
Alessandro Moura Zagatto
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hydrogen Ions ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Water Polo ◽  
Swim Performance ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Before And After ◽  
To Receive

In water polo, several high-intensity efforts are performed, leading to the fatigue process due to accumulation of hydrogen ions, and thus β-alanine supplementation could be an efficient strategy to increase the intramuscular acid buffer.PurposeTo investigate whether 4 wk of β-alanine supplementation enhances parameters related to water polo performance.MethodsTwenty-two highly trained male water polo players of national level were randomly assigned to receive 28 d of either β-alanine or a placebo (4.8 g/d of the supplement in the first 10 d and 6.4 g/d in the final 18 d). The participants performed 30-s maximal tethered swimming (30TS), 200-m swimming (P200m), and 30-s crossbar jumps (30CJ) before and after the supplementation period.ResultsThe β-alanine group presented significant increases in 30TS for mean force (P = .04; Δ = 30.5% ± 40.4%) and integral of force (P = .05; Δ = 28.0% ± 38.0%), as well as P200m (P = .05; Δ = –2.2% ± 2.6%), while the placebo group did not significantly differ for mean force (P = .13; Δ = 24.1% ± 33.7%), integral of force (P = .12; Δ = 24.3% ± 35.1%), or P200m (P = .10; Δ = –1.6% ± 3.8%). However, there was no significant group effect for any variable, and the magnitude-based-inference analysis showed unclear outcomes between groups (Cohen d ± 95%CL mean force = 0.16 ± 0.83, integral of force = 0.12 ± 0.84, and P200m = 0.05 ± 0.30). For 30CJ the results were similar, with improvements in both groups (placebo, Δ = 14.9% ± 14.1%; β-alanine, Δ = 16.9% ± 18.5%) but with no significant interaction effect between groups and an unclear effect (0.14 ± 0.75).ConclusionFour weeks of β-alanine supplementation does not substantially improve performance of 30TS, P200m, or 30CJ in highly trained water polo athletes compared with a control group.

β-Alanine Supplementation’s Improvement of High-Intensity Game Activities in Water Polo

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1208-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Motta Pinheiro Brisola ◽  
Elvis de Souza Malta ◽  
Paulo Roberto Pereira Santiago ◽  
Luiz Henrique Palucci Vieira ◽  
Alessandro Moura Zagatto
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Water Polo ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Group Time ◽  
Before And After

Objectives: To investigate whether 4 wk of β-alanine supplementation improves total distance covered, distance covered and time spent in different speed zones, and sprint numbers during a simulated water polo game. Design: Double-blind, parallel, and placebo controlled. A total of 11 male water polo players participated in the study, divided randomly into 2 homogeneous groups (placebo and β-alanine). Methods: The participants performed a simulated water polo game before and after the supplementation period (4 wk). They received 4.8 g·d−1 of dextrose or β-alanine on the first 10 d and 6.4 g·d−1 on the final 18 d. Results: Only the β-alanine group presented a significant improvement in total sprint numbers compared with the presupplementation moment (PRE = 7.8 [5.2] arbitrary units [a.u.]; POST = 20.2 [7.8] a.u.; P = .002). Furthermore, β-alanine supplementation presented a likely beneficial effect in improving total distance covered (83%) and total time spent (81%) in speed zone 4 (ie, speed ≥ 1.8 m·s−1). There was no significant interaction effect (group × time) for any variable. Conclusions: Four weeks of β-alanine supplementation slightly improved sprint numbers and had a likely beneficial effect on improving distance covered and time spent in speed zone 4 in a simulated water polo game.

scholarly journals Isolated Core Training Improves Sprint Performance in National-Level Junior Swimmers

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Weston ◽  
Angela E. Hibbs ◽  
Kevin G. Thompson ◽  
Iain R. Spears
Keyword(s):  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
National Level ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Swim Performance ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Training

Purpose:To quantify the effects of a 12-wk isolated core-training program on 50-m front-crawl swim time and measures of core musculature functionally relevant to swimming.Methods:Twenty national-level junior swimmers (10 male and 10 female, 16 ± 1 y, 171 ± 5 cm, 63 ± 4 kg) participated in the study. Group allocation (intervention [n = 10], control [n = 10]) was based on 2 preexisting swim-training groups who were part of the same swimming club but trained in different groups. The intervention group completed the core training, incorporating exercises targeting the lumbopelvic complex and upper region extending to the scapula, 3 times/wk for 12 wk. While the training was performed in addition to the normal pool-based swimming program, the control group maintained their usual pool-based swimming program. The authors made probabilistic magnitude-based inferences about the effect of the core training on 50-m swim time and functionally relevant measures of core function.Results:Compared with the control group, the core-training intervention group had a possibly large beneficial effect on 50-m swim time (–2.0%; 90% confidence interval –3.8 to –0.2%). Moreover, it showed small to moderate improvements on a timed prone-bridge test (9.0%; 2.1–16.4%) and asymmetric straight-arm pull-down test (23.1%; 13.7–33.4%), and there were moderate to large increases in peak EMG activity of core musculature during isolated tests of maximal voluntary contraction.Conclusion:This is the first study to demonstrate a clear beneficial effect of isolated core training on 50-m front-crawl swim performance.

The Influence of Chokeberry Juice Supplementation on the Reduction of Oxidative Stress Resulting from an Incremental Rowing Ergometer Exercise

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucja Pilaczynska-Szczesniak ◽  
A. Skarpanska-Steinborn ◽  
E. Deskur ◽  
P. Basta ◽  
M. Horoszkiewicz-Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Ergometer Exercise ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant ◽  
Chokeberry Juice

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of an increased intake of anthocyanins, contained in chokeberry juice, on the redox parameters in rowers performing a physical exercise during a 1-month training camp. The athletes were randomly assigned to receive 150 mL of chokeberry juice daily, containing 23 mg/100 mL of anthocyanins (supplemented group), or placebo (control group). Before and after the supplementation period, the subjects performed an incremental rowing exercise test. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before each exercise test, 1 min after the test, and following a 24-h recovery period. After the supplementation period, TBARS concentrations in the samples collected 1 min after the exercise test and following a 24-h recovery period were significantly lower in the subjects receiving chokeberry juice than in the control group. In the supplemented group, glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in the samples collected 1 min after the exercise test, and superoxide dismutase activity was lower in the samples taken following a 24-h recovery, as compared to the subjects receiving placebo. These findings indicate that an increased intake of anthocyanins limits the exercise-induced oxidative damage to red blood cells, most probably by enhancing the endogenous antioxidant defense system.

Elevation of Creatine in Red Blood Cells in Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians After Creatine Supplementation

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 704-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa M. Maccormick ◽  
Lisa M. Hill ◽  
Lauren Macneil ◽  
Darren G. Burke ◽  
Truis Smith-Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Creatine Supplementation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Creatine Transporter ◽  
Cr Content ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cr Uptake

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 5-day creatine (CR) supplementation period on red blood cell (RBC) CR uptake in vegetarian and nonvegetarian young women. Blood samples were collected from lacto-ovo vegetarians (VG, n = 6, age 21.8 ± 1.9 yrs) and nonvegetarians (NV, n = 6, age 21.7 ± 1.9 yrs) before and after a 5-day CR loading period (0. 3 g CR/kg lean body mass/day), and from a control group of nonvegetarians (NV, n = 5, age 22.0 ± 0.7 yrs) who did not supplement with creatine. RBC and plasma samples were analyzed for the presence of creatine. Significant increases (p < .05) in RBC and plasma CR levels were found for vegetarians and nonvegetarians following supplementation. The initial RBC CR content was significantly lower (p < .05) in the vegetarian group. There was no significant difference between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in final RBC CR content, suggesting that a ceiling had been reached. As the uptake into both muscle and RBC is moderated by creatine transporter proteins, analysis of the uptake of CR into RBC may reflect the uptake of CR into muscle, offering an alternative to biopsies. Key words: plasma, erythrocyte, loading

scholarly journals Antioxidant supplementation increases retinal responses and decreases refractive error changes in dogs

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Wang ◽  
Jerome Hernandez ◽  
Cecil Moore ◽  
Janet Jackson ◽  
Kristina Narfström
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
High Light Intensity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antioxidant Supplementation ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Single Flash ◽  
To Receive

AbstractThe objective of the study was to examine whether a nutritional antioxidant supplementation could improve visual function in healthy dogs as measured by electroretinography (ERG) and autorefraction. A total of twelve Beagles, 6 to 8 years of age, with normal eyes upon indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy, were age and sex matched and randomly assigned to receive a feeding regimen for 6 months with or without a daily antioxidant supplementation. Portable, mini-Ganzfeld ERG and a Welch Allyn hand-held autorefractor were used to test retinal response and refractive error in the dogs at baseline and at the end of the supplementation period. All ERG a-wave amplitudes obtained were increased in the treatment group compared with those of dogs in the control group, with significant improvements in the scotopic high and photopic single flash cone ERG responses (P < 0·05 for both). For the b-wave amplitudes, all responses were similarly increased, with significant improvements in responses for the scotopic high light intensity stimulation (P < 0·05), and for photopic single flash cone and 30 Hz flicker (P < 0·01 for both) recordings. Change in refractive error was significantly less in the treatment group compared with that of the control group during the 6-month study (P < 0·05). Compared with the control group, the antioxidant-supplemented group showed improvement to varying degrees for retinal function and significantly less decline in refractive error. Dogs, like humans, experience retinal and lens functional decline with age. Antioxidant supplementation as demonstrated may be beneficial and effective in the long-term preservation and improvement of various functions of the canine eye.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study on Controlling Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Inflammation Using Melatonin Supplement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Alizadeh ◽  
Nastaran Keyhanian ◽  
Sara Ghaderkhani ◽  
Simin Dashti-Khavidaki ◽  
Raheleh Shokouhi Shoormasti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Control ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

No effective antiviral drugs and vaccines are available for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, available, safe, and inexpensive drugs and supplements such as melatonin are among the proposed options for controlling inflammation. We did a randomized, single-blind study in Imam Khomeini Hospital between June 30, 2020, and August 5, 2020. Mild to moderate COVID-19 patients aged 25-65 years were eligible to enter the study based on chest CT scan, clinical symptoms, and physician diagnosis. The intervention group was prescribed 6 mg of oral melatonin for 2 weeks, which consumed half an hour before bedtime every night in low light conditions. Clinical symptoms and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured before and after treatment in the melatonin received and control (regular medications) groups. Among screened patients with COVID-19, 14 patients were assigned to receive melatonin, and 17 patients were considered as controls. A significant difference (p=0.005) between CRP 1 and CRP 2 levels (before and after using melatonin) was found in the melatonin group while this difference (p=0.069) was not significant in the control group. Also, the percentage of recovery (based on symptoms) in patients who took melatonin was higher than that of patients in the control group (85.7% VS 47.1%).  The result of this study confirmed the effectiveness of melatonin in mild to moderate outpatients with COVID-19. More clinical trials on elderly, diabetic, obese patients and severe cases are suggested in future studies.   

scholarly journals Influence of Peroral Supplementation of Selenium and Vitamin E on the Antioxidant Status of Racing Pigeons

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Vargová ◽  
F. Zigo ◽  
M. Chripková ◽  
D. Toropilová ◽  
M. Tomko
Keyword(s):  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Commercial Feed ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Before And After

Abstract The racing season is considered a critical period for racing pigeons due to the susceptibility to stress and weakening of the birds. One of the ways how to support their health and avoid problems involves supplementation of mineral-vitamin preparations based on selenium and vitamin E, which act as important antioxidants and protect cells against damage. This study investigated the influence of peroral supplementation of selenium at a dose of 0.3 mg Se.kg−1 feed dry matter (DM) in the form of Na2SeO3 and vitamin E 300 mg.ml−1 added to water at a rate of 4 ml.l−1 during 60 days. The supplemented group comprised 14 pigeons and their results were compared with a control group of 14 pigeons fed non-supplemented commercial feed. Blood samples were collected and examined at the beginning of the supplementation period, one day before a 300 km race and after the race. Pigeons from the supplemented group exhibited increased plasma levels of Se and vitamin E, as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) before and after the 300 km race in comparison with the controls. Comparison of the activity of the enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatinine kinase (CK) at the beginning of the supplementation and one day before the race showed no changes. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activity of all investigated enzymes were observed after the race in both groups.

scholarly journals Photoneuromodulation makes a difficult cognitive task less arduous

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes S. Chan ◽  
Tsz-lok Lee ◽  
Michael R. Hamblin ◽  
Mei-chun Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hemodynamic Changes ◽  
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Figure Test ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractA positive effect of photoneuromodulation (PNM) has been found on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy populations. However, the hemodynamic changes associated with improved cognitive functions (i.e., memory and executive functions) are unexplored. Therefore, the present study investigated the hemodynamic changes associated with PNM using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). In this experiment, 33 young healthy adults were recruited and randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. A single PNM stimulation was applied to the forehead in the experimental group, while a sham stimulation (same procedure without machine activation) was performed for the control group. Before and after the stimulation, all participants performed an n-back task with 0-and 3-back conditions to assess their working memory function, and their hemodynamic responses during the tasks were measured by fNIRS. A significant group (experimental vs. control) × time (before vs. after PNM) interaction in memory-related frontal activation was found. Specifically, only the experimental group had a significant reduction in frontal hemodynamic levels during the difficult task. Additionally, the memory-related frontal activation was significantly correlated with the immediate and delayed recall of the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test assessed at baseline. Therefore, PNM may reduce the cognitive efforts needed to complete tasks with high memory loads.

scholarly journals Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplementation on Lower Body Stiffness in Recreational Triathletes

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Nunez-Lisboa ◽  
Arthur H. Dewolf ◽  
Marjorie Cataldo ◽  
Mauricio Castro-Sepulveda ◽  
Hermann Zbinden-Foncea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Hydrolyzed Collagen ◽  
Collagen Group ◽  
Supplementation Period ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Reaction Forces ◽  
Strength And Stiffness

Background: Myotendinous stiffness is related to the collagen content of the muscle and tendon, and can be estimated during running by changes in vertical stiffness (kvert) and the resulting modifications of the spatiotemporal parameters (on-off ground asymmetry and landing-takeoff asymmetry). Supplementation with amino acids found in collagen, such as proline, glycine, and hydroxyl proline, combined with ascorbic acid, improve collagen synthesis and potentially result in improved mechanical strength and stiffness. Objectives: To determine if hydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplementation increases kvert and improves the spatiotemporal parameters during running in recreational triathletes. Methods: Nine active males (weight; 68.4 ± 5.7 kg, height; 171.8 ± 5.4 cm, age; 32.5 ± 4.1 years; Vo2max; 53.15 ± 2.19 mL/kg/min) were randomly distributed into a collagen group (CollG, n = 5) and a control group (CG, n = 4). Participants were supplemented for 4 weeks with 15g HC (CollG) or 15g placebo (CG; maltodextrin), 3 times per week. One hour after supplementation, the participants of both groups were asked to perform four repetitions of short sprints to further stimulate collagen synthesis. The ground reaction forces were recorded during running at 4.44 m s-1, 5.55 m.s-1, and 6.66 m.s-1 for assessment of kvert and the spatiotemporal step parameters. Results: Both groups increased kvert with speed (4.44 - 6.66 m s-1) from 24.8 ± 2.7 to 53.7 ± 16.5 N/m and from 25.1 to 49.8 N/m in the CollG and CG, respectively (P < 0.0001); however, there were no differences between groups before and after the supplementation period. As a consequence, the spatiotemporal parameters of running were also similar between groups. Conclusions: Four weeks of HC supplementation does not improve the bouncing mechanism of running in recreational triathletes.

scholarly journals Temperamental Development among Preterm Born Children. An RCT Follow-Up Study

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Inger Pauline Landsem ◽  
Bjørn Helge Handegård ◽  
Stein Erik Ulvund
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Negative Emotionality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Preterm Born ◽  
To Receive

A randomized controlled trial study recruited 146 preterm born children, either to participate in a modified version of the Mother–Infant Transaction Program (MITP-m) or to receive the usual follow-up services, before and after discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit. This follow-up study investigates whether MITP participation is associated with parental perceptions of child temperament from two to seven years. Children’s temperament was reported by mothers and fathers separately at children’s ages of 2, 3, 5, and 7 years. Parents in the MITP-m group reported lower levels of negative emotionality in their children compared to the control group. In maternal reports, a group effect (F(1, 121) = 9.7, p = 0.002) revealed a stable difference in children’s negative emotionality from two to seven years, while a group-by-time interaction related to an increasing difference was detected in reports from fathers (F(1, 94) = 4.8, p = 0.03). Another group difference appeared in fathers’ reports of children’s soothability (F(1, 100) = 14.2, p < 0.0005). MITP-m fathers seemed to perceive their children as easier to soothe at all ages as no interaction with time appeared. Parental reports on children’s sociality, shyness, and activity did not differ between the groups.

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