Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Lower-limb Strength in Females

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Lower-limb Strength and Muscular Endurance in Physically Active Women: Double-blind Crossover Randomized Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effects of beetroot juice supplements on lower-limb strength and muscular endurance in physically active women, due to the presence of NO3- in beetroot juice.

Beetroot juice (BJR) is used as an ergogenic aid, but no study has analyzed its' effects on explosive force production in physically active women. It has been proposed that females could blunt reduction of NO2- to NO based on a higher oxidative skeletal muscle phenotype than males. However, it has been observed a higher increase on plasma NO2- levels after supplementation compared to and a greater enhancement on muscle contractile function.

Based on the absence of any study that has analyzed the effect of NO3- supplements on jump ability and power production on weightlifting on female population; the purpose of this study will be to investigate the possible ergogenic effect of BJR on physically active women on explosive force production and muscular endurance in a lower-limb body weightlifting protocol, due to the presence of NO3- in BJR and its effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physically active females with 18-30 years of age
• More than 6 months on RT training programs
• Be familiarized with back squat, leg press and leg extension exercises
• Not consuming any type of nutritional supplement or anabolic substances in the previous three months or during the study
• Not suffering from a musculoskeletal injury that could interfere with the exercise protocol during the investigation

Exclusion Criteria:

• None