Fatigue Prevention

The Supplementation of Oligonol, the New Lychee Fruit-Derived Polyphenol Converting Into a Low-Molecular Form, Has a Positive Effect on Fatigue During Regular Track-and-Field Training in Young Athletes

Advances in Exercise and Sports Physiology. 2013;13(4):93-99

Background

Increased aerobic metabolism during exercise is a potential source of oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplements offer protection against the oxidative stress of exercise. In addition, the relationship between training distance and mood has been found to follow a dose-dependent pattern — mood progressively worsening as training load increases.

Study Design

Randomized Single-Blind placebo-controlled crossover: Subjects were supplemented with either placebo or Oligonol® for 26 days (Period 1). Their supplementation was switched for the next 26 days (Period 2). During the two periods, the training protocol consisted of 3 hour track-and-field training 5 times/week. Subjects completed three questionnaires before training began, and at the end of each period. In addition, urine samples were submitted and various parameters on oxidative stress were measured.

Results

The following changes were reported for Oligonol® supplementation compared with placebo:

• RPE (Ratings of Perceived Exertion) responses during training were significantly lower in both groups, suggesting Oligonol® intake caused the subjects to feel less fatigued.
• Tendency to attenuate the feeling of pain (muscular, lumbago and menstrual) followed by a change for the worse for group that discontinued Oligonol® midway through training.

Conclusion

“The results suggest that Oligonol® supplementation in young athletes has significant subjective positive effects particularly on fatigue during training and thus may contribute to the maintenance of good conditioning.”