Quercetin Supplementation Improves Neuromuscular Function Recovery from Muscle Damage

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EEIMD) impairs neuromuscular function and elevates muscle damage biomarkers.
• Recovery from EEIMD is crucial for athletes and active individuals.
• Quercetin, a flavonoid, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of quercetin supplementation in enhancing recovery from EEIMD.
• To assess the impact of quercetin on neuromuscular function and biochemical parameters post-exercise.
• To determine if quercetin can mitigate strength loss and accelerate functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 16 men.
• Participants ingested 1000 mg/day of quercetin or placebo for 14 days.
• Neuromuscular tests, including force-velocity relationship and MVIC with EMG, were conducted.
• Assessed pain, joint angle, arm circumference, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Main Results:

• Quercetin supplementation significantly attenuated strength loss compared to placebo.
• Force-velocity relationship and mean fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) recovery was faster with quercetin.
• Higher increases in muscle damage biomarkers (CK, LDH) were observed in the placebo group.
• Quercetin mitigated neuromuscular function impairment, especially at higher velocities.

Conclusions:

• Quercetin supplementation (1000 mg/day for 14 days) effectively improves recovery from EEIMD.
• It ameliorates strength loss, neuromuscular impairment, and biochemical markers.
• The benefits are likely attributed to quercetin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.