JudoJosh
Pro Virili Parte
- Awards
- 3
Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists
ABSTRACT
Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling
events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic
aids. Purpose: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity,
that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists.
Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of
the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental
and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily
for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules.
Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test
for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max),
metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After
eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. Results: There was
significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change
with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters,
namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813;
P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters.
Conclusion: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling
events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic
aids. Purpose: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity,
that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists.
Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of
the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental
and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily
for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules.
Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test
for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max),
metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After
eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. Results: There was
significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change
with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters,
namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813;
P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters.
Conclusion: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.
