Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT03028454

Effects of Ginger on Muscle Soreness and Dysfunction Stemming From Downhill Running

The objective of the study is to determine whether five days of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation is effective at reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle function following downhill running. Long-distance running is often associated with acute muscle pain, swelling, and reduced muscle functioning, and consequently, many runners utilize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAID use is associated with gastrointestinal side-effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, dyspepsia, asymptomatic ulcers, and symptomatic ulcers that, although rare, can be fatal. Ginger is a botanical compound that is Generally Recognized as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Evidence from osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and resistance-training models indicate that ginger is effective at reducing general pain and muscle soreness. Therefore, this study will supplement 60 runners with roughly 1.5 g/day of ginger root or a placebo for 2 days prior to, the day of, and 2 days after downhill running. Participants will be evaluated for muscle soreness and function before and after the downhill run.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Muscle Soreness Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Musculoskeletal Pain Myalgia Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Human Performance Laboratory

Norfolk, Virginia, 23529, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Be currently running ≥10 miles per week
  • Have completed at least one run >40 minutes over the past month

Exclusion criteria

  • Have no allergies to ginger
  • Willing to avoid pain-relieving medications for the duration of the study
  • Have no history of bleeding disorders nor currently taking blood thinners

Treatment and study plan

Ginger Root

Dietary Supplement

Capsules containing 250 mg of ginger root extract standardized to contain at least 5% gingerol compounds, as well as an additional 225 mg of regular ginger root.

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

Capsules containing rice flour powder.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Soreness Change

    Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, 24 hours after a 40-minute downhill run and the two days after a 40-minute downhill run

    Participants will be asked to mark a slash on a 100 mm line the muscle soreness of their lower extremities, with descriptors of "no soreness'' indicated at 0 and ''unbearably painful" at 100. Participants will rate overall lower-extremity soreness at rest, while performing a stand-to-sit movement, and while running at a moderate pace.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain Pressure Threshold Change

    Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

    An algometer will be applied to the participant's quadriceps muscle. An algometer is a handheld device with an integral load cell that transduces the pressure applied to the participant. The investigator will apply force slowly and smoothly while the participant concentrates on when the force applied by the investigator transitions from a feeling of pressure to a feeling of pain. The force level applied when the participant begins to feel pain will be considered the pain pressure threshold. The location of the measurement will be 10 cm above the superior crest of the patella. The average of two measurements will be taken.

  2. Vertical Jump Test Change

    Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

    Participants will jump as high as possible using the squat jump technique. Participants will perform three trials.

  3. 1.5-mile Run Change

    Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

    Participants will complete a maximal effort 1.5-mile run on a motorized treadmill.

  4. Lung Function Change

    Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

    Participants' lung function will be tested before the 1.5-mile run and at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes post-exercise. Lung function will be assessed with a spirometer by having participants perform a maximal forced expiration. Breathing difficulty will also be measured before and after the run with the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Old Dominion University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Jan 23, 2017
Registry last updated
Dec 20, 2017

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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.