BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effects of training (on running distance measured with a Cooper test) in 3 weeks in non-professional athletes using PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink (FD) including Pycnogenol® during the training period. METHODS: Pycnogenol® has been used in preclinical conditions and prevention. PycnoRacer® is a liquid combination of Pycnogenol® (15 mg), L-leucine (0.6 g), L-arginine (0.3 g), L-isoleucine (0.3 g), and L-valine (0.3 g). Two comparable groups (one using the FD) were formed: 60 training athletes were requested to drink one bottle 4 times/day, while 65 controls did not use PycnoRacer® or other comparable sports drinks. All subjects had a strong athletic background and advanced knowledge of the procedures of the tests. Two daily training sessions were completed. The sessions consisted in warming up and running a Cooper test. RESULTS: 125 subjects completed the three weeks according to plans. There were nine dropouts due to logistical or working problems. Subjects using the FD improved on average by 18.83% (range 12-23%) in their running distance with training. The difference with controls was significant (P<0.05) at 3 weeks (controls improved on average by 8.9%; range 3-17.4%). The difference between the two groups was on average 9.93% (P<0.05). A comparable increase in VO2max was observed in the groups. In the FD group the increase was on average by 10.05 mL/kg/min compared to 4.95 mL/kg/min in controls, with a difference of 5.1 mL/kg/min (P<0.05). A VAS score showed comparable values. Lower values (concerning muscular pain and cramps) were observed in FD subjects (P<0.05) at the end of the 3 weeks of training. The level of plasma free radicals (PFR) values after the last Cooper test was significantly lower at 3 weeks in the FD group (P<0.05). No intolerance problem was observed by subjects using the FD. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the use of PycnoRacer® improved training, running distance, VO2max and PFR decreasing muscular pain and cramps.
PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink including Pycnogenol®, improves recovery and training in the Cooper test
Belcaro G.;Feragalli B.;Zuccarini M.;Cacchio M.;
2019-01-01
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effects of training (on running distance measured with a Cooper test) in 3 weeks in non-professional athletes using PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink (FD) including Pycnogenol® during the training period. METHODS: Pycnogenol® has been used in preclinical conditions and prevention. PycnoRacer® is a liquid combination of Pycnogenol® (15 mg), L-leucine (0.6 g), L-arginine (0.3 g), L-isoleucine (0.3 g), and L-valine (0.3 g). Two comparable groups (one using the FD) were formed: 60 training athletes were requested to drink one bottle 4 times/day, while 65 controls did not use PycnoRacer® or other comparable sports drinks. All subjects had a strong athletic background and advanced knowledge of the procedures of the tests. Two daily training sessions were completed. The sessions consisted in warming up and running a Cooper test. RESULTS: 125 subjects completed the three weeks according to plans. There were nine dropouts due to logistical or working problems. Subjects using the FD improved on average by 18.83% (range 12-23%) in their running distance with training. The difference with controls was significant (P<0.05) at 3 weeks (controls improved on average by 8.9%; range 3-17.4%). The difference between the two groups was on average 9.93% (P<0.05). A comparable increase in VO2max was observed in the groups. In the FD group the increase was on average by 10.05 mL/kg/min compared to 4.95 mL/kg/min in controls, with a difference of 5.1 mL/kg/min (P<0.05). A VAS score showed comparable values. Lower values (concerning muscular pain and cramps) were observed in FD subjects (P<0.05) at the end of the 3 weeks of training. The level of plasma free radicals (PFR) values after the last Cooper test was significantly lower at 3 weeks in the FD group (P<0.05). No intolerance problem was observed by subjects using the FD. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the use of PycnoRacer® improved training, running distance, VO2max and PFR decreasing muscular pain and cramps.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
