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https://greenmedinfo.com/content/aging-athletes-get-lift-beetroot-study-reveals-ergogenic-effects-master-rowers

Aging Athletes Get a Lift from Beetroot: Study Reveals Ergogenic Effects in Master Rowers

Posted on:
Thursday, August 1st 2024 at 3:00 am
Written By:
GreenMedInfo Research Group
This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2024

As athletes age, maintaining peak performance becomes increasingly challenging. But what if the secret to enhanced endurance was hiding in the produce aisle all along? A new study suggests that beetroot juice, a natural source of nitrates, could be the key to unlocking better performance in older athletes.

Introduction to the Condition

As athletes enter their master years (typically defined as over 35 for rowing), they often face declining performance due to age-related physiological changes. These can include reductions in muscle mass, decreased oxygen uptake capacity, and slower recovery times.¹ For master rowers, these changes can significantly impact their ability to maintain competitive times in events like the 2000-meter race - a gold standard test of rowing performance.

Current Treatment Landscape

Traditionally, master athletes have relied on a combination of tailored training regimens, nutritional strategies, and in some cases, legal ergogenic aids to maintain performance. Common approaches include:

1. 
   Periodized training programs


2. 
   High-protein diets for muscle maintenance


3. 
   Creatine supplementation


4. 
   Beta-alanine for lactic acid buffering

However, these methods have limitations, and athletes are constantly seeking safe, natural alternatives to enhance their performance without resorting to banned substances.

Details of the New Study

Methodology

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover study involving ten well-trained male master rowers aged 30-48 years. The study design was rigorous, with participants completing two identical 2000-meter rowing ergometer tests, separated by a 7-day washout period. In one session, rowers consumed 140 mL of beetroot juice (BRJ) containing approximately 12.8 mmol of nitrate 3 hours before the test. In the other session, they consumed a placebo (PL) designed to mimic the taste and appearance of BRJ.

Results

The study yielded several significant findings:

1. 
   Time Trial Performance: Rowers completed the 2000-meter test an average of 4 seconds faster after consuming BRJ compared to PL (p ≤ 0.05).


2. 
   Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2 max): Both relative and absolute VO2 max increased significantly after BRJ intake. Relative VO2 max improved by 2.10 mL·kg-1·min-1 (p ≤ 0.05), while absolute VO2 max increased by 0.16 L·min-1 (p ≤ 0.05).


3. 
   Individual Response: 7 out of 10 rowers improved their time trial performance, and 9 out of 10 increased their VO2 max after BRJ consumption.

The authors note: "Acute BRJ intake may improve the time trial performance and VO2 max in well-trained master rowers during a 2,000-meters rowing ergometer test."

Analysis of Findings

Continues:

https://greenmedinfo.com/content/aging-athletes-get-lift-beetroot-study-reveals-ergogenic-effects-master-rowers

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