Exploring the Role of Acute Supplementation in Exercise Performance

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 6756

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
Interests: nutritional supplements; ergogenic aids; electromyography; muscle fatigue
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Dear Colleagues,

Nutritional supplementation for performance enhancement is a common strategy utilized by both competitive and recreational athletes. Compared to the numerous supplements that require short-term (up to four weeks) or chronic (>4 weeks) use and may involve loading phases, acute supplementation is defined as single-dose ingestion for an immediate impact on exercise performance. Popular supplements with acute ergogenic potential include caffeine, arginine, citrulline, pre-workout supplements, sodium bicarbonate/citrate, nitrate, and others.

We invite you to submit a manuscript for publication in this Special Issue of Sports entitled “Exploring the Role of Acute Supplementation in Exercise Performance”. The goal of this Issue is to present various studies that examine the effectiveness of acute nutritional supplementation in factors related to strength, power, endurance, and aerobic capacity and subjective factors such as fatigue, energy, alertness, and focus. Original research articles, reviews, and short reports are welcome for submission.

Dr. Clayton L. Camic
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • single dose
  • nutritional supplements
  • acute supplementation
  • pre-workout
  • multi-ingredient
  • caffeine
  • performance
  • strength
  • power
  • endurance
  • aerobic capacity

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 912 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Quality of Life in Rugby Athletes: The Role of Dietary Supplements and Their Consumption
by Walter Sapuppo, Antonietta Monda, Davide Giacconi, Regina Gregori Grgič, Daniele Saccenti, Claudia Maria Mineo, Vincenzo Monda, Salvatore Allocca, Maria Casillo, Marcellino Monda, Girolamo Di Maio and Marco La Marra
Sports 2024, 12(10), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12100270 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1076
Abstract
This study investigates dietary supplement use among rugby players and their general health, focusing on prevalence and underlying motivations. Involving 92 athletes, it examines the relationship between supplement usage, motivations, and health outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and a 24-item [...] Read more.
This study investigates dietary supplement use among rugby players and their general health, focusing on prevalence and underlying motivations. Involving 92 athletes, it examines the relationship between supplement usage, motivations, and health outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and a 24-item ad hoc questionnaire. Findings reveal a high frequency of supplement usage, motivated by desires to enhance performance, appearance, and mood. Significant differences in health-related quality of life are found between users and non-users, particularly in mental health, social functioning, and emotional stability. Motivations like performance enhancement and body shape manipulation were linked to altered health perceptions, indicating the psychosocial impacts of supplementation. This study emphasizes the need to consider the holistic effects of supplements on athlete well-being, advocating for a balanced approach prioritizing both physical and mental health. It calls for increased awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the potential risks and benefits of supplement use and the importance of informed decision-making. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of supplement use and its impact on athlete health, aiming to enhance sports science and promote overall athlete well-being in competitive environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Acute Supplementation in Exercise Performance)
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11 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Improved Antioxidant Status after Diet Supplementation with Novel Natural-Based Supplement in Combat Athletes
by Adrian Tirla, Simona Ioana Vicas, Teodora Bianca Sirca, Corina Cinezan and Simona Cavalu
Sports 2024, 12(9), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090247 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 986
Abstract
Background: Intense physical activity is known to generate high levels of oxidative stress, and supplementation with bioactive products with powerful antioxidant effects is often recommended. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of supplementing the diet of professional [...] Read more.
Background: Intense physical activity is known to generate high levels of oxidative stress, and supplementation with bioactive products with powerful antioxidant effects is often recommended. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of supplementing the diet of professional combat fighters with a new bioactive formulation based on Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) and bee pollen, a natural combination with a balanced ratio of macro- and micronutrients, rich in proteins and polyphenols. Methods: A total of 31 professional combat fighters were selected to participate in this study. Due to allergic medical history, two were excluded, and the remaining 29 were divided into two groups: 14 in the control and 15 in the supplementation group. The supplemented group consumed daily 40 g of novel supplement based on a combination of dried black chokeberry and bee pollen (1:2 ratio) for 4 weeks. Results: A statistically significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity was observed in the supplemented group compared to control related to the time and group factors at the end of this study. During this study, a significant increase in neutrophils was recorded in both groups. Supplementation with black chokeberry and bee pollen generated no significant modifications in inflammatory markers, body composition, glycemia, maximum aerobic capacity, blood glycemia, hemoglobin or red cell line. Conclusion: This clinical study pointed out a positive result in terms of plasma antioxidant capacity upon administration of the novel nutraceutical formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Acute Supplementation in Exercise Performance)
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Review

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8 pages, 435 KiB  
Review
An Update of the Promise of Glycine Supplementation for Enhancing Physical Performance and Recovery
by Arnulfo Ramos-Jiménez, Rosa Patricia Hernández-Torres, David Alfredo Hernández-Ontiveros, Melinna Ortiz-Ortiz, Reymond Josué López-Fregoso, José Miguel Martínez-Sanz, Genaro Rodríguez-Uribe and Marco Antonio Hernández-Lepe
Sports 2024, 12(10), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12100265 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 4171
Abstract
Glycine, the simple amino acid, is a key component of muscle metabolism with proven cytoprotective effects and hypothetical benefits as a therapeutic nutrient. Cell, in vitro, and animal studies suggest that glycine enhances protection against muscle wasting by activating anabolic pathways and inhibiting [...] Read more.
Glycine, the simple amino acid, is a key component of muscle metabolism with proven cytoprotective effects and hypothetical benefits as a therapeutic nutrient. Cell, in vitro, and animal studies suggest that glycine enhances protection against muscle wasting by activating anabolic pathways and inhibiting proteolytic gene expression. Some evidence indicates that glycine supplementation may enhance peak power output, reduce lactic acid accumulation during high-intensity exercise, and improve sleep quality and recovery. This literature review critically explores glycine’s potential as an ergogenic aid and its relevance to muscle regeneration, muscle strength, endurance exercise performance, and sleep quality. It also underscores key areas for future research. It is concluded that more randomized controlled clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm glycine’s potential as a dietary supplement to support muscle function, recovery, and overall athletic performance as an ergogenic aid and to establish nutritional recommendations for athletic performance. Also, it is essential to consider that high doses (>500 mg/kg of body mass) could induce cytotoxic effects and contribute to acute glutamate toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Acute Supplementation in Exercise Performance)
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