Author(s): TSAO, J., TSAI, Y.H., WANG, M.Y., Institution: CHINA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1626

INTRODUCTION:
Badminton is a sport that requires frequent and repetitive running and moving the racket within the same area. Therefore, badminton players must attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress and fatigue, which are essential for their anaerobic and aerobic capacity. Maca, known for its antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties, potentially has a positive impact on sports performance (Orhan et al., 2022; Zhu et al., 2022). Although there is preliminary consensus on the physiological functions of Maca, research on the effects of Maca supplementation on badminton-specific sports performance is insufficient. The study aims to clarify the mechanisms by which Maca supplementation influences fatigue indicators induced by simulated badminton matches and to evaluate the feasibility of Maca as an ergogenic aid for badminton players.
METHODS:
Thirteen subjects were receiving Maca and a placebo in a randomized single-blind crossover study with a washout period of 14 days. Participants completed both the Maca (400 mg/day) and placebo (starch capsules) conditions, each administered for 14 days before the experimental trials. On the experimental day, a 3 x 21-point badminton simulation match was conducted, and a 30-second Wingate Test was performed during each rest period between matches. Immediately after the match, a badminton-specific endurance test was conducted. The subjects' physiological and psychological states were assessed, with physiological status evaluated by blood analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatine kinase (CK), and uric acid (UA) concentrations as oxidative stress and fatigue indicators, and psychological status assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assist in evaluating exercise fatigue.
RESULTS:
After the badminton simulation match, both the Maca and placebo trials showed significant increases in MDA, CK, and UA concentrations compared with pre-match levels, but no significant difference between the two trials. During the rest intervals between the three games of the simulated badminton match, no significant differences were observed across matches for any anaerobic variables (peak power output, relative peak power output, anaerobic fatigue, and anaerobic capacity). Similarly, no significant differences were found between the two trials (p > .05). Similarly, badminton-specific endurance performance and POMS scores did not differ significantly between the two trials following the simulated badminton match.
CONCLUSION:
Short-term 14-day Maca supplementation did not attenuate MDA, CK, or UA levels, nor improve anaerobic performance, badminton-specific endurance, or POMS scores compared with placebo. In conclusion, Maca supplementation may not be confirmed as an ergogenic aid under the present conditions. Future research should employ varied dosages, longer durations, and larger samples to clarify Maca's impact on recovery and exercise performance.