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Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Muscle Performance01:27

Exercise and Muscle Performance

Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction01:25

Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction

Skeletal muscle fibers have the unique ability to switch between rest and contraction states, using different sources of ATP for energy. The contraction cycle and Ca2+ transport back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum for relaxation require significant ATP. However, the ATP reserves in muscle fibers are limited and can only sustain contractions for a few seconds. Additional ATP production becomes necessary for prolonged contractions. As a result, muscle fibers generate ATP through various sources,...
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective response...
Exercise and Cardiac Output01:17

Exercise and Cardiac Output

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...

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Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
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Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise

Published on: December 19, 2024

Nutritional ergogenic aids and exercise performance.

R J Maughan1

  • 1University Medical School, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. r.maughan@abdn.ac.uk

Nutrition Research Reviews
|December 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Athletes commonly use nutritional supplements to enhance performance and health. While creatine, caffeine, and bicarbonate show some benefits for specific exercises, others like carnitine and amino acids lack evidence. Athletes should consult evidence before use.

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Published on: May 18, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Nutritional supplements are widely used by athletes for performance enhancement, muscle gain, and general health.
  • Ergogenic aids aim to improve energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and body composition.
  • Supplements for health and infection resistance are also popular to minimize training disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of common nutritional supplements used in sports.
  • To evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the use of ergogenic aids and health-related supplements.
  • To inform athletes and practitioners about the benefits and limitations of sports nutrition supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific studies on popular sports supplements.
  • Analysis of evidence for performance enhancement, muscle mass increase, and health benefits.
  • Assessment of supplements against International Olympic Committee regulations.

Main Results:

  • Creatine supplementation shows evidence for improving short-term, high-intensity exercise performance.
  • Caffeine can enhance performance through metabolic and central nervous system effects.
  • Bicarbonate may aid performance in acidosis-prone exercise but carries gastrointestinal risks.
  • Supplements like carnitine, amino acids (ornithine, arginine, glutamine), and hydroxymethylbutyrate lack strong supporting evidence.
  • Protein supplements are effective only when dietary intake is inadequate.
  • Antioxidant vitamins and glutamine have theoretical support but require more evidence.

Conclusions:

  • Certain supplements like creatine and caffeine offer performance benefits for specific athletic demands.
  • Many commonly used supplements lack robust scientific evidence of efficacy.
  • Athletes should critically evaluate supplement claims and prioritize evidence-based choices.
  • Further research is needed for supplements like antioxidant vitamins and glutamine in intensive training contexts.