L-tryptophan supplementation has been studied in endurance sports with controversial results, and its influence on maximal strength sports remains largely unexplored. This study investigated whether L-tryptophan supplementation improves dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting athletes.
Methodology:
A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 13 paralympic powerlifting athletes. The athletes were supplemented with L-tryptophan or placebo for 72 hours before training. Strength was assessed using an encoder, measuring mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximal velocity (Vmax), and power (PO) at different time points (pre, post, 24, and 48 hours) and loads (45% and 80% of 1 RM).
Results:
L-tryptophan supplementation resulted in higher MPV, Vmax, and PO values at the pre-exercise time point compared to placebo. However, after exercise, this difference diminished, and the benefits of supplementation were not sustained after 48 hours.
Conclusion:
L-tryptophan supplementation appears to temporarily improve pre-exercise strength performance in Paralympic powerlifting athletes, possibly by influencing neuromuscular relaxation.
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