Pomegranate Extract Improves Maximal Performance of Trained Cyclists after an Exhausting Endurance Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Author/s
Torregrosa García, Antonio; Ávila Gandía, Vicente; Luque Rubia, Antonio J.; Abellán Ruiz, María Salud; Querol Alcaraz, María; [et al.]Date
2019-03-28Discipline/s
Actividad Física y DeporteSubject/s
PomegranateExercise performance
Sports nutrition
Delayed onset muscle soreness
Muscle recovery
Antioxidants
Abstract
The efficacy of pomegranate (Punica granatum) extract (PE) for improving performance
and post-exercise recovery in an active population was equivocal in previous studies. In this study,
a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, balanced, cross-over trial with two arms was
conducted. Eligibility criteria for participants were as follows: male, amateur cyclist, with a training
routine of 2 to 4 sessions per week (at least one hour per session). The cyclists (n = 26) were
divided into treatment (PE) and placebo (PLA) groups for a period of 15 days. After physical tests,
the groups were exchanged after a 14-day washout period. Exercise tests consisted of endurance
bouts (square-wave endurance exercise test followed by an incremental exercise test to exhaustion)
and an eccentric exercise drill. The objective was to assess the efficacy of PE in performance outcomes
and post-exercise muscular recovery and force restoration after a prolonged submaximal effort.
Twenty-six part...