Low-Dose Ammonium Preconditioning Enhances Endurance in Submaximal Physical Exercises

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Preconditioning strategies are utilized in medicine for organ protection and in sports for performance enhancement.
• Investigating novel preconditioning methods like low-dose ammonium preconditioning (AMP) is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effects of low-dose ammonium preconditioning (AMP) on the physical exercise capacity of professional track and field athletes.
• To evaluate AMP's impact on physiological parameters during submaximal physical exercise.

Main Methods:

• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) on a treadmill was employed to assess physical exercise capacity.
• Twenty-five professional track and field athletes were divided into AMP and placebo (PL) groups based on pre-test performance.
• Key performance and physiological markers, including distance covered, oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), and blood parameters, were measured.

Main Results:

• The AMP group demonstrated a significant increase in covered distance (11.3%) compared to the pre-test.
• AMP significantly enhanced oxygen uptake (VO2) by 4.6% and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) by 8.7%.
• AMP led to a significant increase in red blood cell count (6.8%) and hemoglobin concentration (5.3%), with reduced shifts in blood pH, pO2, and lactate levels.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose ammonium preconditioning (AMP) exhibits clear beneficial effects on submaximal physical exercise in professional athletes.
• AMP's positive impact on exercise capacity may be attributed to increased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration.
• This study presents the first evidence of AMP's efficacy in enhancing athletic submaximal physical performance.