Anaerobic Power, Sprint Performance
Conditions
Keywords
Tribulus terrestris, Combat sports, Anaerobic performance, Wingate test, Sprint time, Ergogenic supplementation
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the acute effects of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on anaerobic performance and sprint times in trained male combat sport athletes. A total of 28 athletes from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and taekwondo disciplines will participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants will ingest either a single oral dose of 625 mg Tribulus terrestris (40% saponins) or a placebo 60 minutes before performing performance tests. The performance assessments will include a 30-second Wingate anaerobic cycling test and 20 m and 100 m sprint tests using photocell timing gates. After a wash-out period, participants will cross over to the alternate condition. The primary outcomes are peak power and mean power from the Wingate test and sprint times over 20 m and 100 m.
Detailed description
This trial is designed to evaluate the acute ergogenic potential of Tribulus terrestris supplementation in combat sport athletes. Tribulus terrestris has traditionally been marketed as a natural testosterone booster and performance enhancer, yet its acute effects on high-intensity exercise performance remain unclear. Design and Methods Participants: 28 trained male athletes (Kickboxing n=12, Muay Thai n=10, Taekwondo n=6), aged 18-30 years, with at least 2 years of competitive training experience. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover. Intervention: A single dose of 625 mg Tribulus terrestris (40% saponins) or matched placebo (cellulose). Supplements will be ingested 60 minutes before testing. Procedures: After a standardized warm-up, participants will complete a 30-second Wingate test on a Monark cycle ergometer (resistance = 10% body mass) to measure peak power, mean power, and fatigue index. Following 10 minutes of recovery, participants will perform 20 m and 100 m sprint tests using double-beam photocells (Witty timing system). Each participant will perform both supplementation conditions with a ≥72 h wash-out. Outcomes Primary outcomes: Wingate peak power (W, W/kg), mean power (W, W/kg). Secondary outcomes: 20 m and 100 m sprint times (s). Ethics: Approved by the Ethics Committee of Atatürk University (Protocol No: E-70400699-000-2500104927). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTTribulus terrestris extract
625 mg oral capsule (40% saponins), single dose
OTHERCellulose capsule (placebo)
Oral cellulose capsule, identical in appearance
Sponsors
Salih ÇABUK
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants, investigators, care providers, and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Supplements were prepared in identical capsules to ensure blinding integrity.
Intervention model description
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in which all participants received both Tribulus terrestris and placebo supplementation with a wash-out period in between conditions.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male athletes aged 18-30 years * Engaged in combat sports (kickboxing, Muay Thai, or taekwondo) * Minimum 2 years of continuous training experience * Training at least 4 sessions per week * Free from injury or illness at the time of testing * Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Use of ergogenic supplements, anabolic steroids, or hormonal treatments within the past 3 months * Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or performance-enhancing substances within 24 hours before testing * Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that may limit performance * Any chronic disease or contraindication to high-intensity exercise
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Power Output (W, W/kg) - Wingate Test | Measured once, 60 minutes after supplementation, during the Wingate test session (single-day assessment). | Maximum anaerobic power generated during the 30-second Wingate cycling test performed against a resistance equal to 10% of body mass. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Power Output (W, W/kg) - Wingate Test | Measured once, 60 minutes after supplementation, during the Wingate test session (single-day assessment). | verage anaerobic power calculated across the full 30-second Wingate cycling test. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed