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Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females

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Abstract

Purpose

Citrulline malate (CM) is a nonessential amino acid that increases exercise performance in males. However, based on physiological differences between genders, these results cannot be extrapolated to females. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate effects of acute CM supplementation on upper- and lower-body weightlifting performance in resistance-trained females.

Methods

Fifteen females (23 ± 3 years) completed two randomized, double-blind trials consuming either CM (8 g dextrose + 8 g CM) or a placebo (8 g dextrose). One hour after supplement consumption, participants performed six sets each of upper- (i.e., bench press) and lower-body (i.e., leg press) exercises to failure at 80 % of previously established one-repetition maximum. Immediately after each set, repetitions completed, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded.

Results

Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that subjects completed significantly (p = .045) more repetitions throughout upper-body exercise when consuming CM versus placebo (34.1 ± 5.7 vs. 32.9 ± 6.0, respectively). When consuming CM, similar significant (p = .03) improvements in total repetitions completed were observed for lower-body exercise (66.7 ± 30.5 vs. 55.13 ± 20.64, respectively). Overall RPE score was significantly lower (p = .02) in upper-body exercise when subjects consumed CM versus placebo (7.9 ± 0.3 and 8.6 ± 0.2, respectively). The supplement consumed exhibited no significant effects on heart rate at any time point.

Conclusions

Acute CM supplementation in females increased upper- and lower-body resistance exercise performance and decreased RPE during upper-body exercise. These data indicate that athletes competing in sports with muscular endurance-based requirements may potentially improve performance by acutely supplementing CM.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this investigation was provided by the Statewide Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The authors would like to thank Jarrion Lawson for his help with the dietary analysis and data collection portions of this project. We would also like to thank Shari Witherspoon for her assistance during the process of ordering and acquiring the necessary materials required throughout this investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Office for Studies on Aging – University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

    Jordan M. Glenn, Michelle Gray, Lauren N. Wethington, Matthew S. Stone & Rodger W. Stewart Jr.

  2. Human Performance Lab – University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

    Jordan M. Glenn, Michelle Gray, Matthew S. Stone, Rodger W. Stewart Jr. & Nicole E. Moyen

  3. Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana Tech University, Memorial Gym: Office 305, PO Box 3176, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA

    Jordan M. Glenn

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  1. Jordan M. Glenn
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Correspondence to Jordan M. Glenn.

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Glenn, J.M., Gray, M., Wethington, L.N. et al. Acute citrulline malate supplementation improves upper- and lower-body submaximal weightlifting exercise performance in resistance-trained females. Eur J Nutr 56, 775–784 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1124-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-1124-6

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