The Effects of Red Spinach Extract on Physical Performance Following Chronic Resistance Training in Trained Males

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Red Spinach is a natural food which is a rich source of nitrates, which are beneficial in hemodynamics, cardiovascular function, and have natural hypotensive and antianginal effects . In recent research, Red spinach extract has been shown to be beneficial in acute exercise performance. However, currently it is unclear how these acute increases in performance may translate to long term training adaptations. This research study is designed to measure the effects of red spinach extract (RSE) on markers of physical performance, body composition, and health following chronic resistance training and anaerobic exercise.

Detailed Description
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The investigators aim to measure muscle strength, athletic performance, body composition, and muscle size in two groups of adults before and after 11 weeks of intervention in a randomized, double blinded study. One group (n=15 ) will receive an intervention of resistance exercise and a Red Spinach Extract supplement, and the other group (n=15) will receive resistance exercise and a placebo (maltodextrin).

Official Title
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The Effects of Red Spinach Extract on Health on Physical Performance Following Chronic Resistance Training in Trained Males

Conditions
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Sports

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Placebo
* Dietary Supplement: Red Spinach Extract (RSE)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18-35 years old At least 1 year of resistance training experience Are free of musculoskeletal injuries Are not taking medications that may interfere with study measurements Exclusion Criteria: Participant that cannot take either the RSE or placebo supplement will be excluded, as this will be a double-blind study. Furthermore, participants that cannot participate in pre- and post-research testing, and/or those that cannot commit to regular training sessions will be excluded. Inability to perform physical exercise (determined by health and activity questionnaire) Taking any other nutritional supplement or performance enhancing drug. Any chronic illness that causes continuous medical care.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 34 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br> | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br>* Oral placebo capsules will be taken consisting of maltodrextrin daily for 11 weeks<br>|
| Experimental: Red Spinach Extract<br> | Dietary Supplement: Red Spinach Extract (RSE)<br>* Oral capsules containing 2g of Red Spinach Extract will be consumed daily for 11 weeks<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscular Strength | Muscular strength will be assessed via bench press 1-repetition maximum | 11 weeks | 
| Muscular Hypertrophy | Muscle thickness of the Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis will be assessed via ultrasonography. Thickeness will be reported in cm. | 11 weeks | 
| Body Composition | Lean Body Mass, Fat Mass, and Bone Mineral Content will be assessed via Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | 11 weeks | 
| Wingate Anaerobic (WnT) Cycle test performance | A 30-second WnT test will be used to assess Average power, peak power, and fatiuge index | 11 weeks |