Effects of Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Power, Velocity, and Repetitions to Failure during Resistance Exercise

Abstract

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on power, velocity, and repetitions to failure (RTF) during bench press exercise.METHODSResistance‐trained male participants were recruited for this study. In a within groups counterbalanced study design, participants were supplemented with either 70 ml of BRJ or placebo (Black‐currant juice; PL) two hours before exercise. During each exercise trial, participants began by completing 2 sets × 2 reps of bench press at 70% 1‐RM with maximum explosive intent. Power and velocity of barbell movement was measured using a linear position transducer. Participants then completed 3 sets × RTF at 70% 1‐RM separated by 2 minutes of rest between each set. Maximum mean power, velocity, and total RTF were analyzed.RESULTSVelocity of barbell movement was significantly higher with BRJ when compared to PL (p=0.011; ES=1.3). Furthermore, power of barbell movement was significantly higher with BRJ versus PL (p=0.015; ES= 0.58). Total RTF was not different with BRJ versus PL (p=0.091; ES= 0.55).CONCLUSIONResults indicate that acute BRJ supplementation positively impacts both velocity and power during bench press exercise.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.