Effect Of Ligustilide Supplement On Physical Fitness Of Athletes

Abstract

PURPOSE: In this study, high content ligustilide plant extract was supplemented to monitor the changes of physical fitness and physiological function of athletes, and to explore the effect of ligustilide plant extract on physical function and physical fitness of athletes. METHODS: Thirty five high-level basketball players from Zhengzhou University were selected and divided into two groups randomly: nutritional supplement group (S, n = 18) and control group (C, n = 17). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University. Informed consent was obtained from each subject. The intervention period was 8 weeks, six days per week. The training method adopted the small cycle plate training scheme. We measured changes of the scores of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), physical fitness test (15 m running, 30 m running, 400 m running) and routine blood test (mainly including red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration, etc.) before and after training. RESULTS: In group S, the percentage of RPE (grade 6-11) and RPE (grade 12-18) before experiment was 37.5% and 62.5%. After 8 weeks of experiment, 62.5% of RPE (grade 6-11) and 37.5% of RPE (grade 12-18). In group C, 14% of RPE (grade 6-11), 86% of slight RPE (grade 12-18), and 100% of RPE (grade 12-18) after 8 weeks of experiment. It was found that after 8 weeks of training, the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin and the average concentration of red blood cell hemoglobin in group S were significantly higher than those before the experiment (p = 0.011). According to the comparison of the physical fitness test results of the athletes in group S, it was found that the performance of 400 m after 4 weeks and 8 weeks was significantly higher compared with pre-experiment (p = 0.024). The changes of 30 m and 15 m were not significant different (p = 0.076, p = 0.055). The 400-meter test performance of athletes in group C was significantly higher than that before the experiment only after 8 weeks of training (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Ligustilide supplementation can increase the number of red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration of athletes and has a positive impact on the physical fitness of athletes and the recovery of fatigue.