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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-03-2019 | Nitrate | Original Article

An acute dose of inorganic dietary nitrate does not improve high-intensity, intermittent exercise performance in temperate or hot and humid conditions

Authors: Kieran Smith, David J. Muggeridge, Chris Easton, Mark D. Ross

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻) has repeatedly been shown to improve endurance and intermittent, high-intensity events in temperate conditions. However, the ergogenic effects of dietary NO₃⁻ on intermittent exercise performance in hot conditions have yet to be investigated.

Methods

In a randomised, counterbalanced, double-blind crossover study, 12 recreationally trained males ingested a nitrate-rich beetroot juice shot (BRJ) (6.2 mmol NO₃⁻) or a nitrate-depleted placebo (PLA) (< 0.004 mmol NO₃⁻) 3 h prior to an intermittent sprint test (IST) in temperate (22 °C, 35% RH) and hot conditions (30 °C, 70% RH). The cycle ergometer IST consisted of twenty maximal 6 s sprints interspersed by 114 s of active recovery. Work done, power output, heart rate and RPE were measured throughout; tympanic temperature was measured prior to and upon completion.

Results

There were no significant effects of supplement on sprint performance in either temperate or hot, humid conditions (p > 0.05). There was a reduced peak (BRJ: 659 ± 100W vs. PLA: 693 ± 139W; p = 0.056) and mean power (BRJ: 543 ± 29W vs. PLA: 575 ± 38W; p = 0.081) following BRJ compared to PLA in the hot and humid condition, but this was not statistically significant. There was no effect of supplement on total work done irrespective of environmental condition. However, ~ 75% of participants experienced performance decreases following BRJ in the hot and humid environment. No differences were observed between trials for tympanic temperature measured at the conclusion of the exercise trial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an acute dose of inorganic dietary NO₃⁻ does not improve repeated-sprint performance in either temperate, or hot and humid conditions.

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Title: An acute dose of inorganic dietary nitrate does not improve high-intensity, intermittent exercise performance in temperate or hot and humid conditions
Authors: Kieran Smith
David J. Muggeridge
Chris Easton
Mark D. Ross
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Nitrate
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-04063-9

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Springer Medicine

An acute dose of inorganic dietary nitrate does not improve high-intensity, intermittent exercise performance in temperate or hot and humid conditions

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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