The Effects of an Acute Aerobic Exercise Session with L-arginine Supplementation on Selected Psychomotor and Physiological Parameters in Cyclists Recovered from COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the major global crises of this century, bringing complications that can hinder the return to sport in infected athletes. Evidence suggests aerobic exercise and L-arginine supplementation may accelerate COVID-19 recovery. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effects of an acute aerobic exercise session with L-arginine supplementation on selected psychomotor and physiological parameters in cyclists recovered from COVID-19. Methods: Thirty-two male mountain bikers aged 18-25 years from Qazvin, Iran were randomized into four groups of eight: aerobic exercise + L-arginine supplementation, control, aerobic exercise + placebo, and L-arginine alone. Participants underwent pre- and post-testing surrounding an acute aerobic cycling session. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality of data distribution. Analysis of covariance evaluated between-group differences. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: Analysis of covariance revealed significant between-group differences on psychomotor performance, maximal oxygen consumption, and peak anaerobic power variables (all p<0.05). Post-hoc Bonferroni tests showed the aerobic exercise + L-arginine group had significantly greater improvements than aerobic + placebo and L-arginine groups (p<0.05), with no differences between L-arginine and control. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise combined with L-arginine supplementation appears an effective strategy for enhancing psychomotor and physiological performance in cyclists recovered from COVID-19.