Author(s): CHAN, K.H., LIU, C.S., WANG, H.Y., SHEN, H.C., WANG, Z.Y., CHU, M.Y., TANG, H.T. , Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 292

INTRODUCTION:
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) is an essential coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, particularly in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate production. Previous research has reported that supplementation with 30 mg of NADH for 4 weeks did not improve aerobic capacity. In contrast, sprint interval training (SIT) performed 8 sessions over a 2-week period has been shown to significantly enhance mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether NADH supplementation combined with a 6-week SIT program could improve aerobic capacity in athletes.
METHODS:
Twenty-four male collegiate combat athletes were recruited for this study. Prior to the intervention, all participants performed a graded exercise test (GXT) on a cycle ergometer to determine peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), peak power output (PPO) and time to exhaustion (TTE). Participants were assigned to either the NADH or Placebo (Pla) group, matched according to their VO2peak values. Following group allocation, participants completed a SIT program consisting of 12 × 1-min intervals at 120% PPO with 90 s of recovery, performed twice per week for 6 weeks. During the intervention period, participants in the NADH and Pla groups consumed 3 capsules per day containing either a NADH supplement or maltodextrin, respectively. Each NADH capsule contained 100 mg Panmol® NADH (10 mg NADH) and 300 mg maltodextrin, whereas the placebo capsules contained 400 mg of maltodextrin. After completion of the 6-week intervention, the GXT was repeated. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed design analysis of variance to examine between-group and within-time effects. All data are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.
RESULTS:
After intervention, PPO significantly increased in both the NADH and Pla groups (217.50 ± 20.53 vs. 204.83 ± 15.22 W in the NADH group, and 220.42 ± 40.50 vs. 210.33 ± 38.17 W in the Pla group; p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in VO₂peak or TTE in either group.
CONCLUSION:
The results of the present study indicate that sprint interval training consisting of 12 × 1-min intervals at 120% of PPO with 90 s of recovery, performed twice per week for 6 weeks, significantly increased PPO but did not improve VO₂peak or TTE. Furthermore, supplementation with 30 mg of NADH for 6 weeks in combination with SIT did not elicit any synergistic effects on aerobic capacity in collegiate athletes.

GRANT FUNDING: This study was supported by the Taiwan Institute of Sports Science (Grant No. TISS-2025-006).

CONTACT: carrie@ntsu.edu.tw