The Effect of Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation After Strenuous Physical Activity on Creatine Kinase Levels

Abstract

Strenuous physical activity can cause muscle damage which is marked by an increase in creatine kinase levels. One of the strategies to prevent muscle damage is to consume antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acutely giving beetroot juice on creatine kinase levels after strenuous physical activity. The research sample used 20 trained males. The sample was divided into two groups (Experiment = 10; Placebo = 10). The pre-test was done by checking creatine kinase levels before engaging in strenuous physical activity. After doing strenuous physical activity by running on a treadmill with an intensity of 90-100% for 30 minutes, the experimental group was given 300 ml of beetroot juice (BRJ) every day for 3 days, while the control group was given a placebo drink. Creatine kinase levels were measured immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after strenuous physical activity. The results showed that CK levels decreased significantly 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after strenuous physical activity in the BRJ group compared to the placebo group (p <0.05) The conclusion of this study is that giving BRJ acutely after doing strenuous physical activity can reduce creatine kinase levels in trained male athletes. Acute JBR supplementation in this study can help reduce muscle damage due to strenuous physical exercise through nutritional interventions