Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Exploring the Arginine Methylome by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Exploring the Arginine Methylome by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Published on: December 16, 2021

Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and

Aitor Viribay¹, José Burgos², Julen Fernández-Landa²

¹Glut4Science, Physiology, Nutrition and Sport, 01004 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

|May 7, 2020

Abstract:

Nitric oxide related ergogenic aids such as arginine (Arg) have shown to impact positively on sport performance through several physiological and metabolic mechanisms. However, research results have shown to be controversial. The great differences regarding required metabolic pathways and physiological demands between aerobic and anaerobic sport disciplines could be the reasons. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of Arg supplementation on aerobic (≤VO₂max) and anaerobic (>VO₂max) performance. Likewise, to show the effective dose and timing of this supplementation. A structured search was carried out in accordance with PRISMA^® (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and PICOS guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases from inception to January 2020. Eighteen studies were included which compare Arg supplementation with placebo in an identical situation and testing its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance tests. Trials analyzing supplementation with other supplements were removed and there was not athlete's level, gender, ethnicity, or age filters. The performed meta-analysis included 15 studies and random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) were used according to Hedges' g. Results revealed that Arg supplementation could improve aerobic (SMD, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.56; magnitude of SMD (MSMD), large; I2, 89%; p = 0.02) and anaerobic (SMD, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.43; MSMD, small; I2, 0%; p = 0.01) performance tests. In conclusion, acute Arg supplementation protocols to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance should be adjusted to 0.15 g/kg of body weight ingested between 60-90 min before. Moreover, chronic Arg supplementation should include 1.5-2 g/day for 4-7 weeks in order to improve aerobic performance, and 10-12 g/day for 8 weeks to enhance anaerobic performance.

Keywords:

aerobic aminoacids anaerobic ergogenic aids nitric oxide physical performance

More Related Videos

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

Activating Autophagy by Aerobic Exercise in Mice

Activating Autophagy by Aerobic Exercise in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Exercise and Muscle Performance

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...

Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction

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 Fatigue

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...

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

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...

Exercise and Cardiac Output

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...

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Structured exercise and cardiac outcomes during anthracycline or anti-HER2 therapy in breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·2026

Intraoperative or postoperative radiotherapy boost in high-risk breast cancer: a matched-pair analysis.

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft ... [et al]·2026

Comparative Pharmacological Profiling of Psychotherapeutic Drugs Reveals a Functional Taxonomy Based on Direct Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Excitability.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

The sense of well-being inventory (SWBI) and the brief adaptation to disability scale-revised (B-ADS-R): Italian translation, cultural adaptation and validation.

Spinal cord series and cases·2026

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Performance and Gastrointestinal Symptoms During a High-Intensity Training Session in Elite Rugby Players: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sports (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

Feasibility and Pre-Post Changes Associated with a 12-Week Treadmill Walking Training Programme on Walking Performance, Physical Function, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Arm Pilot Study.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2026

See all related articles