Influence of Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Neuromuscular Performance on Semi-Professional Female Rugby Players: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.
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2022
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Abstract
Purpose: Beetroot juice (BRJ) is considered an ergogenic aid with good to strong evidence
for improving human performance in sport modalities with similar demands to rugby. However,
most of the studies were realized in male athletes with limited evidence in female athletes. Thus,
the aim of this study was to explore the acute ingestion of BRJ in female rugby players. Methods:
Fourteen semi-professional female rugby players (25.0 3.7 years) belonging to a team from the
First Spanish Female Rugby Division participated in this study. Participants were randomly divided
into two groups that realized a neuromuscular battery after BRJ (140mL, 12.8 mmol NO3
�����) or
placebo (PLAC, 140 mL, 0.08 mmol NO3
�����) ingestion on two different days separated by one week
between protocols. The neuromuscular test battery consisted of a countermovement jump (CMJ),
isometric handgrip strength (i.e., dominant), 10-m and 30-m sprint, agility t-test and Bronco test.
Afterwards, participants reported a rate of perception scale (6–20 points) and side effects questionnaire
associated with BRJ or PLAC ingestion. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed
in CMJ (7.7%; p = 0.029; ES = 0.62), while no differences were reported in dominant isometric
handgrip strength (�����1.7%; p = 0.274; ES = �����0.20); 10-m and 30-m sprint (0.5–0.8%; p = 0.441–0.588;
ES = 0.03–0.18); modified agility t-test (�����0.6%; p = 0.503; ES = �����0.12) and Bronco test (1.94%;
p = 0.459; ES = 0.16). Conclusions: BRJ ingestion could improve neuromuscular performance in
the CMJ test, while no differences in sprint (10-m and 30-m sprint test), agility, isometric handgrip
strength and endurance performance (i.e., Bronco test) were reported
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Keywords
Female athletes, Endurance, Ergogenic aids, Nitrates, Sport nutrition