Nutrition/Ergogenic Aids
Adam M. Gonzalez, PhD, CSCS *D
Associate Professor
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York, United States
Yang Yang
Graduate Student
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York, United States
Gerald T. Mangine, PhD
Associate Professor
Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia
Kennesaw, Georgia, United States
Anthony G. Pinzone, MS, CSCS
Graduate Assistant
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio, United States
L-citrulline is a nitric oxide precursor suggested to increase blood flow and augment resistance exercise performance, yet most studies have provided L-citrulline in the form of 8 g citrulline malate providing 4-5.3 g L-citrulline.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of supplementing with a higher dose of L-citrulline on resistance exercise performance and subjective measures of perceived effort, energy, focus, fatigue, and muscle pump.
Methods: In a cross-over design fashion, eighteen recreationally resistance trained men (n=11) and women (n=7) (21.4±1.8 years; 172.3±7.5 cm; 76.9±10.8 kg) were randomly assigned to supplement with a placebo or 8 grams of L-citrulline one hour prior to completing assessments consisting of an isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP), a ballistic bench press protocol [2 sets of 2 repetitions at 75% 1-repetition maximum with maximum ballistic intent], and a strength-endurance bench press protocol [5 repetition-maximum sets at 75% 1RM]. Barbell velocity and power were measured via linear position transducer during the ballistic protocol, while repetitions completed and volume load were quantified during the strength-endurance protocol. Subjective measures were assessed at baseline and immediately pre- and post-exercise.
Results: No differences were observed between conditions for peak force during the IMTP (p=0.523), ballistic bench press power and velocity (p=0.151-0.455), or total repetitions (p=0.746) and volume load (p=0.914) during the strength-endurance bench press protocol. Additionally, no differences were seen between conditions for measures of perception.
Conclusion: An acute 8 g dose of L-citrulline did not enhance isometric force production or bench press performance in recreationally resistance trained men and women. PRATICAL APPLICATION: These data suggest that acute L-citrulline supplementation did not provide ergogenic benefits to the protocol implemented in this study.
Acknowledgements: None