The Impact of MACA Supplementation on Basketball-related Performance

The Impact of Lepidium Meyenii (MACA) Supplementation on Basketball-related Performance and Anti-fatigue Ability: a Double Blind Crossover Study

In this randomized crossover study, ten elite healthy male basketball players were included. Following a 17:00 PM training routine, participants completed a two-week supplementation with 2000 mg of MACA or placebo. After supplementation, participants underwent a Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test and Repeated Sprint Ability Test.

Supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (MACA) has been shown in animal studies to increase blood lactate clearance and rapid lactate removal, which may be effective in reducing fatigue during intermittent exercise. However, no studies have investigated the effects of MACA supplementation on interval exercise and basketball performance. We hypothesized that MACA supplementation could reduce fatigue and improve performance in elite healthy male basketball players. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of MACA compared to placebo on overall basketball performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (i) healthy male adults, those individuals who are free of pain, insomnia, or other injuries recently, without any medication used in recent 2 months,
• (ii) basketball players competing in a Taiwan university basketball association for more than two years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (i) were below 20 years old,
• (ii) did not have won at least eighth place in national-level basketball competitions,
• (iii) were with cardiovascular diseases or any disease that made subjects feel ill.