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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06675682

Beetroot Juice Effects on Contractile or Neuromuscular Properties in Male Trained Sprinters

Beetroot juice is a rich source of nitrate (NO3-), which serves as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) via the NO3- to nitrite (NO2-) to NO conversion pathway. This pathway is believed to enhance vasodilation and improve neuromuscular function, such as by increasing sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release and re-uptake, leading to enhanced force production in type II muscle fibers and improved muscle contractile recruitment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beetroot juice supplementation on muscle contractile properties, as assessed by tensiomyography, and neuromuscular performance in sprint-trained athletes.

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Key information

Conditions

Nitrates Placebo

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Madrid, Spain

About this study

Sports nutrition is a rapidly expanding scientific field that has experienced a significant increase in interest from the academic community over the past decade. Despite the extensive marketing of numerous nutritional products that claim to optimize athlete health, function, and performance, only a limited number of sports foods or dietary supplements have been supported by robust evidence for enhancing performance. Among these, caffeine, creatine, beetroot juice, β-alanine, and bicarbonate are notable for their validated efficacy, though the effectiveness of these supplements can vary based on the specific event, context of use, and the individual athlete's goals and responsiveness.

Beetroot juice, in particular, is a rich source of nitrate (NO3-), which serves as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) through the NO3- to nitrite (NO2-) to NO conversion pathway. This pathway is believed to promote vasodilation and improve neuromuscular function, such as by increasing sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release and re-uptake, leading to enhanced force output in type II muscle fibers and improved muscle contractile recruitment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beetroot juice supplementation on muscle contractile properties, as assessed by tensiomyography, and neuromuscular performance in sprint-trained athletes. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the physiological effects induced by beetroot juice intake in short-distance track and field disciplines.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Between 18 to 40 years old.
  • With a regular training practise in track and field disciplines > 5 years.

Exclusion criteria

  • Intolerance to beetroot juice or NO3- derivatives
  • Presence of any chronic pathology or injury within three months prior to the study-
  • Use of medications or supplements (e.g., caffeine) during the study.
  • Failure to attend all experimental sessions.
  • Failure to adhere to the dietary guidelines established in the study

Treatment and study plan

Beetroot Juice (Beet-It Stamina Shot) and Exercise Training

Dietary Supplement

Player randomization was performed using an online tool (https://www.randomizer.org/). An independent researcher assigned alphanumeric codes to each sequence to ensure blinding of both sprint athletes and researchers during the trials. Each player participated in two identical experimental trials separated by one week to allow physical recovery between testing occasions and washout from the beetroot juice treatment.

Primary outcomes

  1. Tensiomyography changes (seconds): Delay time (Td) ; Contraction time (Tc) ; Sustain time (Ts) ; Relaxation time (Tr)

    Time frame: 1-week

    The measurement of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis, and gastrocnemius medialis muscles was conducted using tensiomyography. We analyzed different parameters such as selay time (Td) as a time between the electrical impulse and 10% of the contraction; Contraction time (Tc) as a time between 10% and 90% of the contraction; Sustain time (Ts) as a time between 50% of the contraction and 50% of the relaxation; Relaxation time (Tr) as a time between 90% and 50% of the relaxation.

  2. Changes in 60-m and 100-m sprint test (seconds)

    Time frame: 1-week

    Time to complete 60-m and 100-m sprint test using photocell timing gates

Secondary outcomes

  1. Changes in maximal countermovement and squat jump height (cm)

    Time frame: 1-week.

    Maximal jump height using a contact platform

  2. Changes in nitrites and nitrates levels in saliva (μmol/L)

    Time frame: 1-week

    Using specific kit ELISA analysis

  3. Changes in side effects questionnarie

    Time frame: 1-week

    Questionnarie based on side-effects related to beetroot juice ingestion (A scale consisting of nine items, each answered with "yes" or "no")

  4. Changes in rate of perception effort

    Time frame: 1-week

    Using rate of perceived exertion scale (1-10 points)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Other

Collaborators

  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
  • Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
  • Universidad de León

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Ingestion of Beetroot Juice Does Effects on Contractile or Neuromuscular Properties in Male Trained Sprinters: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.

Acronym: BEET_SPRINT

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Nov 5, 2024
Registry last updated
Nov 5, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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