ABSTRACT
Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic aids. Purpose: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists. Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules. Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. Results: There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813; P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. Conclusion: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.
ABSTRACT
To investigate and compare the effects of strength training (Shoulder girdle and respiratory muscles) and drug (Jatamansi) on reducing hand tremor in archers. Randomized experimental, different subject design. Institutional study done at Manipur Archery Association. Thera-band (Hygienic Corporation) and Nardostachys jatamansi (GMP Certified) were used as interventions. Pre & Post Hand Steadiness Score (Arm-Hand-Steadiness Tester on 4 mm hole) and Performance Test Scores (AAPHER Archery Test) was evaluated. 45 National Level Archers within age 16-28yrs were assigned into three groups: Group I (Medicine), Group II (Strength Training) and Group III (Control). Medicine was consumed for 4 weeks continuously 3 gm TDS and Thera-band strength training was given for 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: It was hypothesized that strength training is more effective in reducing hand tremors than medicinal or control groups. Arm-Hand-Steadiness: Numbers of Contact (NOC): On inter Group Comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA, left and right arm showed significant differences (F = 5.64, p<0.05; F = 8.97, p<0.001) respectively and on Post Hoc Scheffes analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Total Contact Time (TCT): On inter Group comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA, left and right arm showed significant differences (F = 12.50, p<0.001; F = 9.23, p<0.001) respectively and On Post Hoc Scheffes analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Archery Performance: On inter Group comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA showed significant difference (F = 6.53, p<0.005) and on Post Hoc Scheffes analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Intervention of strength training and jatamansi may be effective for an archer however, strength training with thera-band and respiratory muscles conditioning intervention in combination increases steadiness and archery performance.