Acute Effects of Tribulus Terrestris Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance and Sprint Times in Combat Sport Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 28
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Peak Power Output (W, W/kg) - Wingate Test
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to investigate the acute effects of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on anaerobic performance and sprint times in trained male combat sport athletes. A total of 28 athletes from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and taekwondo disciplines will participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
Participants will ingest either a single oral dose of 625 mg Tribulus terrestris (40% saponins) or a placebo 60 minutes before performing performance tests. The performance assessments will include a 30-second Wingate anaerobic cycling test and 20 m and 100 m sprint tests using photocell timing gates. After a wash-out period, participants will cross over to the alternate condition.
The primary outcomes are peak power and mean power from the Wingate test and sprint times over 20 m and 100 m.
Detailed Description
This trial is designed to evaluate the acute ergogenic potential of Tribulus terrestris supplementation in combat sport athletes. Tribulus terrestris has traditionally been marketed as a natural testosterone booster and performance enhancer, yet its acute effects on high-intensity exercise performance remain unclear.
Design and Methods
Participants: 28 trained male athletes (Kickboxing n=12, Muay Thai n=10, Taekwondo n=6), aged 18-30 years, with at least 2 years of competitive training experience.
Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover.
Intervention: A single dose of 625 mg Tribulus terrestris (40% saponins) or matched placebo (cellulose). Supplements will be ingested 60 minutes before testing.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Crossover
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
Participants, investigators, care providers, and outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Supplements were prepared in identical capsules to ensure blinding integrity.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 30 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Male athletes aged 18-30 years
- •Engaged in combat sports (kickboxing, Muay Thai, or taekwondo)
- •Minimum 2 years of continuous training experience
- •Training at least 4 sessions per week
- •Free from injury or illness at the time of testing
- •Provided written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •Use of ergogenic supplements, anabolic steroids, or hormonal treatments within the past 3 months
- •Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, or performance-enhancing substances within 24 hours before testing
- •Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that may limit performance
- •Any chronic disease or contraindication to high-intensity exercise
Arms & Interventions
Tribulus Terrestris
A single oral dose of 625 mg Tribulus terrestris extract (40% saponins) given 60 minutes before exercise testing.
Intervention: Tribulus terrestris extract (Dietary Supplement)
Placebo
Visually identical cellulose capsule given 60 minutes before exercise testing.
Intervention: Cellulose capsule (placebo) (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Peak Power Output (W, W/kg) - Wingate Test
Time Frame: Measured once, 60 minutes after supplementation, during the Wingate test session (single-day assessment).
Maximum anaerobic power generated during the 30-second Wingate cycling test performed against a resistance equal to 10% of body mass.
Secondary Outcomes
- Mean Power Output (W, W/kg) - Wingate Test(Measured once, 60 minutes after supplementation, during the Wingate test session (single-day assessment).)
Investigators
Salih ÇABUK
Research Assistant
Erzurum Technical University