Spirulina Supplementation In Recovery From Damaging Exercise
University of Exeter
30 participants
Jan 4, 2024
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Exercise can cause muscle damage, leading to a loss in muscle function, increased muscle soreness and inflammation. Evidence supports the use of nutritional strategies to help recovery. Spirulina is a type of algae. It is eaten as a food supplement as it is full of micronutrients, some which provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This work will assess the impact of taking spirulina supplements on recovery from hard exercise. Investigators will measure changes in muscle function, soreness and markers of inflammation.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria8
- Are available and willing to attend St Luke's Campus, Exeter
- Age 18 - 40
- BMI 18.5 - 30 kg/m2
- The participant exercises / plays sport for > 2 h/week, but doesn't do structured resistance strength training
- Self-reported as healthy (absence of injury or disease)
- Have no known food allergy to algae
- Are not taking any over the counter or prescribed medication that might interfere with study, e.g. anti-inflammatory medication
- Non-smoker
Exclusion Criteria9
- Are unable to attend St Luke's Campus, Exeter
- Are out-with age range 18 - 40
- BMI below 18.5 or above 30 kg/m2
- The participant does not exercise
- The participant does regular structured resistance strength training
- Known injury or disease that might influence study outcomes
- Have a known food allergy to algae
- Are taking over the counter or prescribed medication that might interfere with study, e.g. anti-inflammatory medication
- Smoker
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Interventions
Participants consume a 3g spirulina supplement 3 times daily for 5 consecutive days.
On the morning of Day 3 (where Day 1 is when participants start taking supplements), participants perform a single bout of eccentric exercise. The exercise protocol is performed on a single leg and involves 300 (10 sets of 30 repetitions separated by 120 seconds) voluntary maximal, isokinetic, eccentric contractions of the knee extensor. Exercise is performed using a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA), and contractions are performed at 60◦/s over an 80◦ range of motion.
Participants consume a macronutrient matched placebo supplement 3 times daily for 5 consecutive days.
Locations(1)
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NCT06391957