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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(01): 71-76
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1559698
Nutrition
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Melatonin is an Ergogenic Aid for Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise only during the Wakefulness Period

W. R. Beck
1   Physical Education, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
2   Laboratory of Applied Sport Physiology, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
,
P. P. M. Scariot
2   Laboratory of Applied Sport Physiology, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
,
C. A. Gobatto
1   Physical Education, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
2   Laboratory of Applied Sport Physiology, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Limeira, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 30 June 2015

Publication Date:
28 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

This study tested the ergogenic effects of acute administration of melatonin on exhaustive exercise (tlim) at the anaerobic threshold intensity (iAnT) during periods of lower (L) and higher (H) spontaneous physical activity in swimming rats. Additionally, we evaluated the time of day effect on aerobic exercise tolerance. The periods of L and H were determined gravimetrically. All animals were subjected to an incremental test to determine the iAnT. Melatonin was administered (10 mg.kg−1, intraperitoneal) and after 30 min, the rats were subjected to tlim during the L (LM) or H (HM) period. Control groups were called LC and HC. The criterion of significance was 5%. Melatonin enhanced tlim by 169% during H (HC=72 min; HM=194 min; P<0.01; ES=1.23) and by 90% during L (LC=31 min vs. LM=59 min; P=0.39; ES=1.18), demonstrating a significant effect on tlim (F=10.35; P<0.01) and a strong effect size (ES). Additionally, tlim was higher during H (F=14.24; P<0.01). Melatonin is a reasonable ergogenic aid, particularly during the wakefulness period, and the exercise tolerance is dependent on the time of day for swimming rats.

Key words

melatonin - exercise performance - ergogenic aid - time of day - aerobic exercise
 

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