The effect of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on anaerobic performance on elite Indian cyclist

Abstract

Aims and objective. This study was formulated to study the effects of Ashwagandha on anaerobic parameters on the elite Indian cyclist.
Material and Method. It is an experimental study design developed at department of sports medicine and physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar India), on 40 elite cyclists were randomly selected and equally assigned into two groups viz. experimental and control group. The experimental group was given supplementation of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha extracts, in the form of capsules while the placebo group was given starch capsules for 8 weeks. Outcome measures: parameters of anaerobic power included were watts, peak power, average power measured by Kinematic Motion System analysis and velocity was measured by 50 meters dash test.
Results. There was significant improvement in both males and females in all the parameters. Watts (P<0.001), peak power (P<0.05), average power (P<0.05) however there was no statistically significant improvement in velocity but it should a clinically significant improvement. Males and females were equally responsive to the ashwagandha supplementation.
Conclusion: 8 weeks supplementation of ashwagandha leads to improvement in the anaerobic capacity of elite cyclist.

Key words:

anaerobic performance, Ashwagandha, elite Indian cyclist