The Simultaneous Effect of Citrulline Malate Supplementation and HIIT Exercise Training on Nitric Oxide Serum Levels and Performance in Elite Male Wrestlers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of High intensity interval training (HIIT) program and citrulline malate (CM) supplement on nitric oxide levels and exercise performance in elite wrestlers.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled design, 28 elite males’ wrestlers (age, 21.9±2.4 y; height 174.5±3.8 cm) were randomly assigned to CM+training, placebo+training and training, while also all groups participating in 6 weeks of HIIT based on wrestling techniques. Participants completed testing sessions for body composition and aerobic and anaerobic tests before and after 6 weeks of HIIT program. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after 6 weeks.

Nitric Oxide level after six weeks of HIIT and CM supplementation showed significant increase comparing to placebo+training (P=0.001) and training (P=0.035) groups. There is no significant difference between other groups for NO (P> 0.05). There was a significant difference between upper body anaerobic power (peak power, Mean power and fatigue index) of CM group and placebo group (P=0.22), and there was no significant difference between the other groups (P>0.05). Among all body composition data after six week HIIT just FFM of CM+training group showed significant increase comparing placebo and training group (P<0.05).

Daily CM supplementation during six weeks of HIIT training increases serum NO levels and upper body anaerobic power in elite male wrestlers comparing HIIT alone.