Effects of Ginger on Muscle Soreness and Dysfunction Stemming From Downhill Running

Effects of Ginger on Muscle Soreness and Dysfunction Stemming From Downhill Running

The objective of the study is to determine whether five days of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation is effective at reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle function following downhill running. Long-distance running is often associated with acute muscle pain, swelling, and reduced muscle functioning, and consequently, many runners utilize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAID use is associated with gastrointestinal side-effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, dyspepsia, asymptomatic ulcers, and symptomatic ulcers that, although rare, can be fatal. Ginger is a botanical compound that is Generally Recognized as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Evidence from osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and resistance-training models indicate that ginger is effective at reducing general pain and muscle soreness. Therefore, this study will supplement 60 runners with roughly 1.5 g/day of ginger root or a placebo for 2 days prior to, the day of, and 2 days after downhill running. Participants will be evaluated for muscle soreness and function before and after the downhill run.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be currently running ≥10 miles per week
• Have completed at least one run >40 minutes over the past month

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have no allergies to ginger
• Willing to avoid pain-relieving medications for the duration of the study
• Have no history of bleeding disorders nor currently taking blood thinners