Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyphenols-rich fruit juice supplementation on heart rate (HR), Sargent jump test, sprint 10 m and Wingate test (i.e. peak power [PP], mean power [MP] and Fatigue Index [FI]).
METHODS: In randomized order, twenty-two healthy subjects participated in this study divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG: N.=11) who consumed the antioxidant supplement and a control group (CG: N.=11). All groups performed sessions of test at 07: 00 h before and after supplementation.
RESULTS: Our results showed that following the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) test, the Opuntia ficusindica juice has an antioxidant capacity for capturing free radicals (P<0.05). In addition, our results showed that HR values increased significantly after the Wingate test. Moreover, a significant enhancement on PP, MP and the FI (P<0.01) as well as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was observed. Furthermore, the performance of Sargent jump test (P<0.01) are significantly higher after Opuntia ficus-indica juice supplemetation and sprint performance are significantly reduced (p<0.05) after supplementation (P<0.01). Nevertheless, no significant effect on HR was observed after supplementation on Opuntia ficus- indica juice.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 14-day opuntia ficus-indica juice supplementation has an impact on anaerobic performance.