Beetroot Beverage and Repeated Sprint Power Output During RAST

Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Exercise Performance; Nitrate Supplementation; Repeated Sprint Performance in Trained Athletes

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Beetroot-based antioxidant beverage

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07473193

Cl-062-23

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial aims to evaluate the acute effects of a nitrate-rich beetroot-based beverage on repeated sprint performance in trained athletes.

Ten athletes will complete two experimental conditions in randomized order: beetroot beverage (BET) and placebo (PLA), separated by a 7-day washout period. The beetroot beverage consists of 200 mL of a mixture containing beetroot, cocoa, and green tea, providing approximately 6.4 mmol of nitrate.

In each condition, participants will perform a Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), consisting of six maximal 35-meter sprints with 10 seconds of passive recovery between sprints. The primary outcome is mean power output across the six sprints.

Secondary outcomes include fatigue index, sprint-by-sprint power output, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (Borg 6-20 scale), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), and sleep quality assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Full description

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial is designed to investigate the acute effects of a nitrate-rich beetroot-based beverage on repeated sprint performance in trained athletes.

Ten athletes will participate in two experimental sessions in randomized order: beetroot beverage (BET) and placebo (PLA). Randomization will determine the sequence of beverage administration. Participants and investigators will be blinded to treatment allocation.

After beverage ingestion, participants will perform a standardized warm-up followed by the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), consisting of six maximal 35-meter sprints with 10 seconds of passive recovery between sprints. Sprint time will be recorded using electronic timing, and power output will be calculated using body mass and sprint time.

The primary outcome measure is mean power output across all six sprints. Secondary outcomes include:

Fatigue index (percentage decrement across sprints)

Individual sprint power (S1-S6)

Heart rate response

Rating of perceived exertion (Borg 6-20 scale)

VO₂max (assessed at baseline)

Sleep quality measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)

A linear mixed-effects model will be used to analyze repeated sprint performance, including subject as a random intercept and treatment, sprint, and their interaction as fixed effects. Non-parametric tests will be applied when assumptions of normality are not met. Statistical significance will be set at p ≤ 0.05.

Enrollment: 10 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy trained athletes

Age between 18-35 years

Regular training ≥3 times/week

No cardiovascular or metabolic disease

Exclusion Criteria:Healthy trained athletes

Age between 18-35 years

Regular training ≥3 times/week

No cardiovascular or metabolic disease

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Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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10 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Beetroot Beverage (BET)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants consumed 200 mL of a beetroot-based antioxidant beverage containing beetroot, cocoa, and green tea extract, providing approximately 6.4 mmol of dietary nitrate. The beverage was ingested 2-3 hours before performing the exercise test.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Beetroot-based antioxidant beverage

Placebo Beverage (PLA)

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants consumed 200 mL of a placebo beverage matched for color, taste, and texture but without nitrate or active antioxidant compounds. The beverage was ingested 2-3 hours before performing the exercise test.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Beetroot-based antioxidant beverage