Male Wrestlers Research Articles

Body weight recovery after rapid weight loss may relate to meal frequency or time in wrestlers

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between food and fluid consumption and changes in body weight (BW) during rapid weight loss (RWL) and weigh‐ins (Win). Male collegiate wrestlers (n=7, BW 60–74 kg) completed 56‐h rapid weight loss (6% of BW), and 15‐h weigh‐ins by their own way. Measurement of BW and blood and urine sampling were conducted at pre RWL (PRE), post RWL (POST) and post Win. The subjects recorded all the food and fluid they consumed. BW decreased significantly at POST (66.3±5.1 kg) compared with PRE (70.5±5.4 kg), and increased at Win (69.1±5.4 kg) compared with POST, but did not regained to the level at PRE. Plasma total protein, albumin, vasopressin and urinary specific gravity (USG) at POST were higher than at PRE, which suggested that water accounted for a significant portion of the weight reduction and these parameters except for USG recovered at Win to the level of PRE. The BW decrement was uncorrelated to energy intake, macronutrient, and food and fluid weight during RWL period, while those who consumed energy, protein, carbohydrate and weight of food and fluid in large amounts recovered more BW, especially those who had taken time to eat. These results suggested that the BW regain after RWL was related to not only energy and macronutrient consumption but also food and fluid weight, frequency, and time.

Growth and pubertal development in adolescent male wrestlers

Growth and pubertal development in adolescent male wrestlers

Reliability of Maximal Handgrip Strength Test in Pre-Pubertal and Pubertal Wrestlers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intersession and the intrasession reliability of maximal handgrip strength test in young wrestlers. Twenty-seven prepubertal (9.49 ± 0.96 yrs) and twenty-seven pubertal (14.60 ± 0.50 yrs) male wrestlers performed two assessment sessions separated by one day. Both assessments included a testing protocol consisted of three maximal isometric contractions, on both hands using a hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar). The intersession and intrasession reliability was high for both prepubertal and pubertal wrestlers (ICC = 0.87-0.99). The single trial as well as the best of two and three trials of handgrip strength were slightly less reliable (ICC = 0.87-0.94) than the mean of two and three trials in prepubertal (ICC = 0.95-0.97). The present results indicate that maximum handgrip strength can be measured reliably, using the Jamar dynamometer, in young wrestlers. A single trial as well as the two trials can be used as reliable, less-tiring and less time-consuming methods for the evaluation of handgrip strength than the three trials.

Effects of acute exercise on some respiratory, circulatory and oxidative stress parameters of school boys aged 15-17 years

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute exercise on respiratory functions, heart-beats, blood pressure, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), oxidative stres index (OSI), lipid hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and Paraoxonase (PON) in school boys. A sample of 18 male amateur wrestlers are selected for this study. The particpiants perform exercise regularly at least four times a week and two hours a day. They participated in this study on voluntary basis. Respiratory frequency (RF), force expiralory volume (FEV1), Peak expiratory flow (PEF), heart-beats, (HB) systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) measures and blood samples were taken from the wrestlers before and right after the acute exercise prograrme. Their respiratory frequency, fev1, pef, heart-beats, sistolic and diastolic blood pressure, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), Lipid Hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and Paraoxonase (PON) levels were measured and assessed. It was found that wrestlers displayed significant increase in respiratory frequency, heart-beats (p<0.01) and sistolic blood pressure, TAC, OSI values (p<0.05), after the acute exercise compared to the pre-exercise levels. No significant change was observed in peak expiratory flow (PEF), force expiralory volume (FEV1), diastolic blood pressure, lipid hydro-peroxide (LOOHs) and paraoxonase (PON) levels. In this study, it was found that the balance shifted towards oxidative stress due to increased oxidants after the acute exercise prograrme. In order to reduce such a high oxidative stress and to prevent athletes from its adverse effects, it is necessary to have an antioxidant rich diet before any exercise or to get antioxidant supplements. Key words: School boys, wrestling, curcuit explosive power training, respiratory functions, blood pressure, oxidant, antioxidant

Dehydration and Performance on Clinical Concussion Measures in Collegiate Wrestlers

The effects of dehydration induced by wrestling-related weight-cutting tactics on clinical concussion outcomes, such as neurocognitive function, balance performance, and symptoms, have not been adequately studied. To evaluate the effects of dehydration on the outcome of clinical concussion measures in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate wrestlers. Repeated-measures design. Clinical research laboratory. Thirty-two Division I healthy collegiate male wrestlers (age = 20.0 ± 1.4 years; height = 175.0 ± 7.5 cm; baseline mass = 79.2 ± 12.6 kg). Participants completed preseason concussion baseline testing in early September. Weight and urine samples were also collected at this time. All participants reported to prewrestling practice and postwrestling practice for the same test battery and protocol in mid-October. They had begun practicing weight-cutting tactics a day before prepractice and postpractice testing. Differences between these measures permitted us to evaluate how dehydration and weight-cutting tactics affected concussion measures. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2), Balance Error Scoring System, Graded Symptom Checklist, and Simple Reaction Time scores. The Simple Reaction Time was measured using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics. The SCAT2 measurements were lower at prepractice (P = .002) and postpractice (P < .001) when compared with baseline. The BESS error scores were higher at postpractice when compared with baseline (P = .015). The GSC severity scores were higher at prepractice (P = .011) and postpractice (P < .001) than at baseline and at postpractice when than at prepractice (P = .003). The number of Graded Symptom Checklist symptoms reported was also higher at prepractice (P = .036) and postpractice (P < .001) when compared with baseline, and at postpractice when compared with prepractice (P = .003). Our results suggest that it is important for wrestlers to be evaluated in a euhydrated state to ensure that dehydration is not influencing the outcome of the clinical measures.

Brain natriuretic peptide predicts forced vital capacity of the lungs, oxygen pulse and peak oxygen consumption in physiological condition

Brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is used as marker of cardiac and pulmonary diseases. However, the predictive value of circulating NT-pro-BNP for cardiac and pulmonary performance is unclear in physiological conditions. Standard echocardiography, tissue Doppler and forced spirometry at rest were used to assess cardiac parameters and forced vital capacity (FVC) in two groups of athletes (16 elite male wrestlers (W), 21 water polo player (WP)), as different stress adaptation models, and 20 sedentary subjects (C) matched for age. Cardiopulmonary test on treadmill (CPET), as acute stress model, was used to measure peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), maximal heart rate (HRmax) and peak oxygen pulse (peak VO2/HR). NT-pro-BNP was measured by immunoassey sandwich technique 10min before the test – at rest, at the beginning of the test, at maximal effort, at third minute of recovery. FVC was higher in athletes and the highest in W (WP 5.60±0.29 l; W 6.57±1.00 l; C 5.41±0.29 l; p<0.01). Peak VO2 and peak VO2/HR were higher in athletes and the highest in WP. HRmax was not different among groups. In all groups, NT-pro-BNP decreased from rest to the beginning phase, increased in maximal effort and stayed unchanged in recovery. NT-pro-BNP was higher in C than W in all phases; WP had similar values as W and C. On multiple regression analysis, in all three groups together, ΔNT-pro-BNP from rest to the beginning phase independently predicted both peak VO2 and peak VO2/HR (r=0.38, 0.35; B=37.40, 0.19; p=0.007, 0.000, respectively). NT-pro-BNP at rest predicted HRmax (r=−0.32, B=−0.22, p=0.02). Maximal NT-pro-BNP predicted FVC (r=−0.22, B=−0.07, p=0.02). These results show noticeable predictive value of NT-pro-BNP for both cardiac and pulmonary performance in physiological conditions suggesting that NT-pro-BNP could be a common regulatory factor coordinating adaptation of heart and lungs to stress condition.

Validation of percent body fat using skinfold-thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis and standard hydrostatic method in male wrestlers

The aim of this present study was to determine and validate the percent body fat through skinfold-thickness and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using hydrostatic (standardmethod) among male wrestlers in Ahvaz city. To do so, 25 male wrestlers were selectedrandomly (N = 60). Statistical analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient, paired T-test, standard error estimation (SEE) and total error (TE). The statistical analysisshows that the skinfold-thickness method used by Lohman for wrestlers has a significantdifference with hydrostatic method (standard method). Also, there was no significantdifference between wrestlers in terms of bioelectrical impedance and standard methodresults (TE = 0.0078, SEE = 0.0071, R = 0.871, P = 0.297). Findings suggest that using BIAis a more suitable method to measure wrestlers’ percent body fat. Key words: Percent body fat, skinfold-thickness, bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic.

Effects of Acute Consumption of L-Carnitine Tartrate (LCLT) Following an Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise on Serum Lipoproteins Levels in Iranian Elite Wrestlers

Background and Objective: In this study, the effect of LCLT supplementation was investigated on serum levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein following an exhaustive aerobic exercise in elite wrestlers. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy elite male wrestlers with a mean age of 22.05 ± 2.6 years, mean weight of 77.10 ± 11.65 kg, mean height of 1.79 ± 0.06 cm, and mean body mass index of 23.79 ± 2.45 kg/m2 were participated in this single-blind clinical trial. The subjects were selectively divided into two groups of supplement and placebo. Ninety minutes before performing Conconi protocol, the supplement group received 3 g of LCLT dissolved in 200 ml water plus 6 drops of lemon juice and the placebo group received 200 ml water plus 6 drops of lemon juice. Blood samples were collected 90 min before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 min after exercise from brachial vein and their serum lipoprotein concentrations were measured. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS-16. Result: The findings showed that acute consumption of 3 g LCLT tartrate in the experimental group, compared with the placebo group, had a significant positive correlation with increment of high-density lipoprotein and decrement of low-density lipoprotein following an exhaustive aerobic activity, while no significant change was observed in very low-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: The findings of the present investigation indicate that supplementation instant LCLT effect significant change was observed in HDL, LDL and VLDL and concentrations.

Analysis of elite male wrestlers' social comparison levels according to socio-demographic backgrounds.

Social comparison can be identified as a defensive tendency that people use as a means of self-evaluation. The aim of this study is to analyze social comparison levels of elite male wrestlers according to socio-demographic backgrounds such as age, participation year in wrestling; best achieved success and average monthly income. For this aim 79 elite men wrestlers volunteered. Turkish version of Alan & Gilbert’s Social Comparison Scale was used as data gathering tool. Obtained data evaluated with SPSS 16 for Windows and in addition to descriptive statistical methods Frequency and Percentage, One Way ANOVA was used to determine significant differences (α=0.05). As a conclusion no significant differences were found between sampling group’s social comparison levels and their ages, sports year and their best success (p>0.05). Regarding that self-concept begins at early ages and the sport contributes to individuals, it is needed to make psychological counseling and guidance services in applying similar studies to different sample groups, widespread, easy to access and functional

DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF BODY STRUCTURE OF TOP GRECO-ROMAN STYLE WRESTLERS DEFINED WITH METHOD OF MULTICHANNEL BIOELECTRIC IMPEDANCE

Because of the specificity of given sport and weight categories wrestlers are characterized by specific morphologic characteristics. With the development of new measurement technologies there are some new opportunities for the development of new ways of obtaining information relevant to the sports system. One of the new technologies, which are used in area of measurement of body composition structure, is a method of bioimpedace, and the latest generations use a variant of the multichannel bioelectrical bioimpedance. The goal of this study is to define morphological model of top senior wrestlers by using the latest technological methods that will revalidate the existing knowledge about the given area. The sample of respondents is made of 22 male wrestlers, Greco-Roman style, top senior level athletes from four different countries: Serbia (n = 10), Croatia (n = 9), Montenegro (n = 2) and Greece (n = 1). Measurement of body composition is made with method of multichannel bioelectric impedance with professional apparatus of latest generation InBody 720 Tetrapolar 8-Point Tactile Electrode System (Biospace, Co., Ltd). The most important result of this research is definition of generic (general) four-dimensional model (4D model) of body composition with quality international level wrestlers with following characteristics: in regards to average body mass of sample wrestlers – 81.95 kg, the amount of water is 55.08 L or 67.24 %, the amount of proteins is 15.00 kg or 18.33%, minerals 4.98 kg or 5.97% and fat mass 6.99 kg or 8.49 %.

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION AND OBESITY-RELATED CONDITIONS OF UNIVERSITY MALE SUMO WRESTLERS

The purpose of this study is to clarify the obesity-related problem in university sumo wrestlers by analyzing their blood biochemical values. Subjects were 18 university male sumo wrestlers. Their ages ranged from 18 to 24 years with average of 20.3±1.5 years. The measurements were derived from anthropometric parameters and blood biochemistries such as glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, AST, ALT, γGTP and uric acid in serum. Subjects were divided into two groups (light bodyweight group and heavy bodyweight group) according to their bodyweight by median. The prevalence of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and hyperuricaciduria in university sumo wrestlers were high compared with general population. This tendency was observed in both groups, though it was more notable in the heavy bodyweight group than in the light bodyweight group. It suggests that their nutritional intakes were excessive and inadequate in terms of their health management, leading to the increased risk of lifestyle diseases in the future. Our results suggested that it was important for sumo wrestlers to manage the amount of daily training and nutritional intake appropriately, and to increase bodyweight not by building up the body fat, but by trying to increase the muscular tissue.

A success story: New rules and fewer injuries in traditional Leonese Wrestling (2006–2012)

ObjectiveTo analyse the effectiveness of a change in the rules on the incidence of injuries in traditional Leonese Wrestling (LW). Material and methodsCohort study, retrospective (2006–2007) and prospective (2008–2012). The population studied comprised all the male wrestlers over 16 years of age who took part in Winter League competitions in the seasons 2006–2012. Data collected included the number, location and severity of injuries. Classifying them according to location and severity, the incidence of injuries by bouts and falls before and after the change was calculated. The formula for calculating effectiveness was: 1 – relative risk. ResultsOver the 7 seasons, a total of 34 injuries were reported — 9 in the seasons before the change and 25 afterwards. Since the introduction of the new regulations in 2008, no serious upper limb injuries have been reported. Before the change in rules there was an incidence of 10.4 per 1000 bouts and 3.9 for every 1000 falls, the differences being statistically significant (P=.002 and P=.006, respectively). The effectiveness in reducing the incidence of serious injuries was 94% by bouts, and 91% by falls. ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the importance of a methodological approach for the prevention of injuries; in this case a change in the rules.

Higher Frequency of the ACTN3 R Allele + ACE DD Genotype in Japanese Elite Wrestlers

In this study, the authors investigated the association between the ACTN3 and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes and the performance of 135 Japanese elite male wrestlers. Fifty-two wrestlers had participated in world championships, including the Olympic Games, or had placed first in Japanese national championships and were classified as "international." The remaining 83 wrestlers were classified as "national." The control group consisted of 333 healthy Japanese college students majoring in physical education. In the ACTN3 genotype distribution, a significant difference between the international and control groups was observed (p < 0.05). The ACE genotype distribution and allele frequency of all wrestlers significantly differed from those of the control subjects (p < 0.001). As compared with the control group, the odds ratio of the ACTN3 R allele + ACE DD genotype being international or national was 3.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.10-7.03) or 1.37 (95% CI, 0.79-2.36), respectively. Our data suggest that the combination of ACTN3 and ACE gene polymorphisms is associated with the athletic status of Japanese elite wrestlers.

The effect of ramadan fasting on biochemical and performance parameters in collegiate wrestlers.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on body composition, aerobic and anaerobic power, strength, plasma lipids profile and serum glucose among collegiate wrestlers. Fourteen male collegiate wrestlers (age, 20.12±2.5 yrs) volunteered as subjects for the study. Subjects were tested one week before the beginning of Ramadan, the last two days of Ramadan and the last two days of the 4th week after the end of Ramadan. The paired sample t-test was used to assess the differences in pre and post-performance tests and repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test to determine differences between three blood samplings. The results showed that except for anaerobic power and strength, body weight, body fat percentage and aerobic power at 4th week of Ramadan were significantly lower than pre-Ramadan values (P=0.05). Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels decreased after Ramadan compared to pre-Ramadan (P= 0.011, P=0.001), however, a month after Ramadan, it reached to higher levels compared to pre-Ramadan period, which were not statistically significant. Similarly, significant decrease and increase were consequently observed in glucose and high density lipoprotein (P=0.001, P=0.045). Triacylglycerol and VLDL increased at the end of Ramadan compared to the period of time before Ramadan, and after Ramadan, it reached the lower levels compared to concentrations before Ramadan (P=0.133, P=0.133). This study also indicated that Ramadan fasting appears to have significant effect on body composition, aerobic power and lipid profile.

Selected Cognitive And Emotional Resources Of Untrained Youth And Young Wrestlers

Abstract Introduction. Wrestling is a sport that requires proper physical and mental preparation. The authors present selected psychological resources, emotional intelligence and creative attitude, as factors influencing the broadly defined mastery, both in the area of sport and out of it. These variables guarantee better adaptation to changing conditions and they are also connected with the effectiveness of handling different situations and optimal problem solving. The aim of the study was to diagnose emotional intelligence and creative attitude among young female and male wrestlers. Material and methods. The study included 20 females from the regional team of cadets and juniors and 19 male wrestlers from the sports school. The control group consisted of two deliberately selected groups of untrained students - 20 girls and 19 boys. KANH and INTE questionnaires were used in the study. Results. In the three groups under investigation medium levels of emotional intelligence and creative vs. reproductive attitude were observed. It was only female wrestlers who manifested low levels of emotional intelligence which, similar to the levels of nonconformity, heuristic thinking and creative attitude, were lower than in female students from the control group. The female wrestlers demonstrated higher levels of conformity and reproductive attitude. Female students demonstrated higher levels of emotional intelligence and conformity than male students. No differences between male and female wrestlers were observed. Conclusions. The findings show that it is necessary to conduct longitudinal research on athletes and untrained individuals. Bearing in mind that learning a motoric task depends, inter alia, on intellectual and emotional factors, the authors also recommend another course of research, i.e. the verification of how these variables are related to the effectiveness of learning motoric tasks. The authors' own research results as well as further (planned) investigations will make it possible to profile various educational effects and deliberately strengthen the potential of young wrestlers.

Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Induced Cellular Damage in Male Wrestlers

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to identify the effect of short-term creatine (Cr) supplementation and a resistance exercise training session on changes in total serum cellular damage indices - creatine kinase (CK) & lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in male wrestlers. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental, randomized and double-blind design, 18 collegiate male wrestlers were equally divided into supplement and placebo groups. After six consecutive days of supplementation (0.3 gkgday−1) Cr or dextrose), all subjects participated in a single-session circuit resistance exercise protocol (with 80% 1-RM in 3 sets with 6 repetition) consisting of six stations. Changes in cellular damage indices were determined in three stages (before and after the supplement stage, and 24 hours after the exercise protocol). The normal data were expressed as mean (±SD) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni and independent t test at α≤0.05. Results: The results show that the creatine loading has only significant effect ...

Balance and Fatigue in Wrestlers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to show that: being “in context” and “similarity” in fatiguing protocols to the main aspects of sport does not alter wrestlers balance. Methods: Twenty professional male wrestlers (age 26.2±1 yr, VO2max 62.3±3.1 ml kg min) participated in this study (10 in experimental and 10 subjects in control group) and completed a fatigue protocol. In this study, a regular wrestling match was used for the metabolic fatigue protocol. Biodex® balance system and lactometer were used for evaluation of balance and blood lactate level (respectively). For statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test, sample t and ANOVA tests were used. Results: Based on these study results, the static balance alterations in the experimental group (eyes open and eyes closed positions) were respectively 0.16% and 3.17%, and this was not statistically meaningful. Also, dynamic balance alterations in the experimental group (eye opened and eye closed positions) were 0.12% and 0. 41% (respectively) which was not statistically meaningful. There was not a significant relationship between lactate acid accumulation and variations of the stability indices (r=−0/570, p<0.05). Conclusion: one of the best explanations for the absence of alteration in wrestlers balance is that: the fatiguing protocol exerted in this study is “in context” and “similar” to wrestling training and this can cause the wrestlers to utilize an anticipatory postural adjustment system for further maintaining postural stability. The possible mechanisms responsible for limiting the effect of fatigue on static and dynamic stability include: an alteration in afferent sensory inputs, a decrease in postural adjustment, increase in COP displacement, increase in delay time and decease in muscular activity, alteration in proprioception and the dysfunction of contractile units in anti gravity muscle following fatigue.

Physical Fitness Factors to Predict Female Olympic Wrestling Performance and Sex Differences

To determine differences in anthropometric, body composition, physiological and neuromuscular markers between elite and amateur female wrestlers, 35 female wrestlers were assigned into 4 groups according to their body mass (light and middle weight) and their competitive level (elite and amateur): light weight (between 49 and 58 kg) in elite (n = 6) and amateur (n = 12) levels, and middle weight (between 58 and 67 kg) in elite (n = 7) and amateur (n = 10) levels. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify which variables better predict female wrestling success. Elite female wrestlers were older (8-10%), had more training experience (27-29%), fat-free mass (3%), maximum strength in absolute and allometrically scaled values (13-33%), maximal muscle power (16-34%), mean and peak power during an arm crank Wingate testing in absolute and allometrically scaled values (17-23%), jumping height (2-9%) and grip (5-13%), and back isometric strength (10-13%) compared with amateur wrestlers (p < 0.05). When the results of the present research and those of a recent study performed in our laboratory with elite male wrestlers were compared, elite women presented lower (p < 0.05) maximum isometric and dynamic strength, muscle power output, and anaerobic metabolism values even when these data were normalized using allometric methods.

Estradiol levels predict bone mineral density in male collegiate athletes: a pilot study

Strenuous training commonly results in amenorrhoea, which contributes to bone loss in some female collegiate athletes. However, the impact of athletic training on endocrine function and bone mineral density (BMD) in male collegiate athletes is less well understood. The objective of the study was to investigate the specific endocrine determinants of BMD in male collegiate runners and wrestlers, including the potential impact of gonadal steroid levels. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-six division I collegiate male athletes (wrestlers, runners and golfers). Main outcome measures included (i) BMD endpoints measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); (ii) endocrine end-points: total and free oestradiol, total and free testosterone; (iii) body composition end-points: lean and fat mass, measured by DXA; and (iv) exercise end-points: maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2) max), number of miles run weekly and grip strength. Free and total oestradiol levels were important positive determinants of BMD. In contrast, total and free testosterone levels were not significant predictors of BMD at any skeletal site (except for free testosterone at the radius). In addition, lean body mass, % ideal body weight, total body weight, body mass index (BMI) and hours per week of resistance training were positive predictors of BMD. VO(2) max was a negative predictor of BMD. Mean BMD was higher at all skeletal sites in the wrestlers compared with the runners and a comparison group (golfers). Our data suggest that oestradiol levels, BMI, and resistance training are more important determinants of BMD in male collegiate athletes than testosterone.

Effect of pre-exercise single dose arginine ingestion on plasma amino acid profile during exhaustive exercise in elite male wrestlers

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of pre-exercise single dose arginine ingestion on plasma amino acid profile during incremental exercise to exhaustion. Methods: Ten volunteer elite male wrestlers (age: 24.7±3.8) participated in this study. Testretest protocol was done on the same subjects. Exercise protocol started at 90 watts on bicycle ergometry and the load was increased 30 watts in every 3 min till the exhaustion. Arginine (1.5gr/10 kg body weight) or placebo were given to the subjects after 12 h fasting (during the night) and venous blood samples were collected 1 h after the supplementation (right before exercise protocol) and right after the exercise protocol for both test and retest. Plasma amino acid profiles were determined by HPLC. Results: Preand post-exercise arginine, ornithine and citrulline concentrations were significantly higher in arginine vs. placebo trial (p<0.05). Glutamine, tyrosine, methionine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and leucine concentrations increased following exercise only in arginine trial (p<0.05). Citrulline and tryptophan levels decreased while alanine levels increased after exercise in both trials (p<0.05). There was an increase following exhaustive exercise in total branched chain amino acid concentrations in arginine trial (p<0.05) whereas there is no significant change in placebo trial. Total amino acid concentrations were increased with exercise in both trials but post-exercise concentrations was higher in arginine trial compared to placebo trial (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results suggest that pre-exercise arginine supplementation can promote an amino acid profile that could be favorable for performance; however, further investigation is necessary to determine the effect of arginine supplementation on athletic performance.