Beetroot supplementation improves the physiological responses to incline walking.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Supplementation
• Cardiovascular Regulation

Background:

• Dietary nitrate, found in beetroot juice, is known to improve endothelial function and exercise performance.
• Understanding the impact of nitrate supplementation on the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to walking, particularly at varying inclines, is crucial for optimizing physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of acute nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on the energy cost and exercise efficiency during intermittent walking.
• To assess the impact of beetroot juice on blood pressure responses during and after walking at different gradients.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, cross-over study involving eight participants.
• Participants consumed nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BR) or placebo (PLA) over 24 hours before undertaking intermittent walking at 3 km/h on a treadmill set at gradients of 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%.
• Measurements included oxygen uptake, blood pressure, and whole blood potassium concentration.

Main Results:

• Beetroot juice supplementation significantly lowered resting, exercise, and recovery mean arterial pressure.
• Oxygen uptake during exercise and recovery was reduced with beetroot juice consumption, indicating improved energy efficiency.
• Beetroot juice attenuated the exercise-induced increase in whole blood potassium concentration compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

• Acute beetroot juice supplementation ameliorates the energy cost of exercise and enhances recovery, particularly noticeable during less efficient walking at steep gradients (15-20%).
• The findings suggest practical implications for individuals engaging in activities like hill-walking, potentially improving performance and reducing physiological strain.