Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (Oct 2011)
Effects of Vitamin-E Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Responses in Female Athletes during Endurance Exercise in Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle
Abstract
Background: Ability to perform strenuous physical work is largely dependent on the efficiency of cardiorespiratory system to take up, transport and give off oxygen for its utilization by the working muscles. Cardiorepsiratory responses to exercise and alteration in physical work capacity of females during different phases of menstrual cycle have been reported. It is well established that Vitamin E (Vit-E) supplementation improves aerobic performance due to its antioxidant nature. Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine the effects of Vit-E supplementation on cardiorespiratory responses during endurance exercise in different phases of menstrual cycle in female athletes. Methods: Twenty five unmarried adult female athletes (21–25 years) were recruited in this placebo-control double-blind randomized experimental trial. Their average duration of menstrual cycle was 28–32 days. Vit-E was supplemented at a dose of 400mg.day-1 for 7 days. Results: The pre-exercise heart rate and peak heart rate were significantly higher in the flow phase than the follicular and luteal phases during pre and post-supplemental trials. The post-supplementation values of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), O2 pulse, maximum pulmonary ventilation and endurance capacity were significantly (P<0.001) higher than the pre-supplementation values in all the phases of menstrual cycle. As far as the comparison of these parameters between the different phases of menstrual cycle is concerned, all these parameters were significantly different in the flow phase than their corresponding values in the follicular and luteal phases. From the present investigation it is concluded that Vit-E supplementation at a dose of 400 mg.day-1 for 7 days significantly improved the VO2max, maximum voluntary ventilation, O2 pulse and endurance capacity in female athletes during different phases of menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Therefore, such supplementation may be recommended to improve the endurance performance of female athletes
