Identifier

etd-06162005-142747

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Clinical evidence supports the use for exogenous glutamine in the maintenance of muscle mass and immune system function in critically ill patients. Relatively little research has examined the benefits of glutamine for athletes engaged in heavy exercise training, despite a possible link between overtraining and glutamine. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of Glutamine on time to exhaustion and power after a prolonged bout of exercise. METHODS: Twelve men (Age: 19 to 30y) involved in cycle training were asked to participate in the study. All participants performed a Symptom-Limited Graded Exercise Test (SL-GXT) using the Astrand Cycle protocol. On a subsequent visit participants performed two Wingate tests on a cycle ergometer to assess Peak Power, Mean Power, and Fatigue Index. The tests were separated by an exhaustive bout of exercise at 70% of VO2R. Twenty-four hours later another Wingate test was performed. Immediately after performing the last Wingate test, subjects were randomized to: 1. Glutamine plus carbohydrate drink (0.3 grams/kg of body weight/ for 6 days) or 2) Placebo (Carbohydrate drink). After 6 days the Wingate and exhaustive bout of exercise were repeated in each individual. RESULTS: There were no group differences in VO2peak (Glu: 44.53+8.75; Pla: 43.83+5.26 ml/kg/min), PP (Glu: 717.71+118.90; Pla: 593.66+117.08), TR (Glu: 38.50+2.26; Pla: 35.50+5.65) and time to exhaustion (Glu: 46.33+10.80; Pla: 41.90+3.82 ml/kg/min) before supplementation. Both groups showed a significant drop in PP (-27%, p=0.001), and TR (-22%, p=0.001) after the exhaustive exercise bout. Incomplete recovery was noted at 24h PP (-17%, p=0.03 vs. baseline), and TR (-13%, p=0.09 vs baseline). Following supplementation TE improved by 3.16+0.75min in the Glu group compared to no change in the Pla (p=0.001). Lastly, the Glu group had similar PP prior to each exhaustive bout of exercise, the PP in the Pla group was still significantly lower after 6 days. CONCLUSION: Participants in the Glu group increased time to exhaustion following 6 days of supplementation, and appeared to recover from exhaustive exercise earlier than the Pla group.

Date

2005

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Michael Welsch

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3783

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