The Effects of Red Spinach Extract Supplementation on Isometric Strength, Resistance Exercise and Cognitive Performance

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. Red spinach extract has been shown to be beneficial in exercise performance, albeit mostly in aerobic exercise. In a previous study in our lab, we found that dietary nitrate consumption resulted in significantly greater isometric force production in teenage males. However, currently there is little know regarding the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on isometric strength, resistance exercise and cognitive performance.

Detailed Description
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This research study is designed to measure the effects of red spinach extract (RSE) on markers of physical and cognitive performance during and following anaerobic exercise.

Official Title
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The Effects of Red Spinach Extract Supplementation on Isometric Strength, Resistance Exercise and Cognitive Performance.

Conditions
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Sports

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


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18-34 years old Participants must have at least 1 year of resistance training experience. Free of any physical limitations, medications, and supplements that may affect performance, as determined by a health and activity questionnaire. Are free of musculoskeletal injuries Are not taking medications that may interfere with study measurements Exclusion Criteria: Participants 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: Crossover 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 7 days<br>|
| Experimental: Red Spinach Extract (RSE)<br> | Dietary Supplement: Red Spinach Extract (RSE)<br>* Oral capsules containing 2g of Red Spinach Extract will be consumed daily for 7 days<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bench Press Repetitions to Fatiuge | Number of repetitions completed in each set during the acute exercise bout will be recorded and analyzed | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) | 
| Bench Press Power | Power during bench press repetitions will be measured via a linear transducer. | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) | 
| Isometric Mid-thigh pull (IMTP) Peak Force | Peak Force will be measured via dual force plates during a full-body isometric strength test. | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) | 
| Isometric Mid-thigh pull (IMTP) Rate of Force Development | Rate of Force development will be measured via dual force plates during a full-body isometric strength test. | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Estimated Muscle Blood Flow via Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) | Measures of muscle oxygenation of the anterior deltoid will be estimated using a NIRS Device. | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) | 
| Cognitive Performance via Stroop Test | The Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) is a neuropsychological test used to assess cognitive performance. This will be administered before and after the fatiguing bench press protocol | Through study completion, during both treatments ( 4 weeks) |