Effects of Ginger on Muscle Soreness and Dysfunction Stemming From Downhill Running

Old Dominion University34 enrolled

Overview

The objective of the study is to determine whether five days of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation is effective at reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle function following downhill running. Long-distance running is often associated with acute muscle pain, swelling, and reduced muscle functioning, and consequently, many runners utilize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAID use is associated with gastrointestinal side-effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, dyspepsia, asymptomatic ulcers, and symptomatic ulcers that, although rare, can be fatal. Ginger is a botanical compound that is Generally Recognized as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Evidence from osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and resistance-training models indicate that ginger is effective at reducing general pain and muscle soreness. Therefore, this study will supplement 60 runners with roughly 1.5 g/day of ginger root or a placebo for 2 days prior to, the day of, and 2 days after downhill running. Participants will be evaluated for muscle soreness and function before and after the downhill run.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Muscle Soreness

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Be currently running ≥10 miles per week * Have completed at least one run \>40 minutes over the past month Exclusion Criteria: * Have no allergies to ginger * Willing to avoid pain-relieving medications for the duration of the study * Have no history of bleeding disorders nor currently taking blood thinners

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Muscle Soreness Change

Participants will be asked to mark a slash on a 100 mm line the muscle soreness of their lower extremities, with descriptors of "no soreness'' indicated at 0 and ''unbearably painful" at 100. Participants will rate overall lower-extremity soreness at rest, while performing a stand-to-sit movement, and while running at a moderate pace.

Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, 24 hours after a 40-minute downhill run and the two days after a 40-minute downhill run

Secondary Outcomes

Pain Pressure Threshold Change

An algometer will be applied to the participant's quadriceps muscle. An algometer is a handheld device with an integral load cell that transduces the pressure applied to the participant. The investigator will apply force slowly and smoothly while the participant concentrates on when the force applied by the investigator transitions from a feeling of pressure to a feeling of pain. The force level applied when the participant begins to feel pain will be considered the pain pressure threshold. The location of the measurement will be 10 cm above the superior crest of the patella. The average of two measurements will be taken.

Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

Vertical Jump Test Change

Participants will jump as high as possible using the squat jump technique. Participants will perform three trials.

Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run, the day of a 40-minute downhill run, and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

1.5-mile Run Change

Participants will complete a maximal effort 1.5-mile run on a motorized treadmill.

Time frame: Two days before a 40-minute downhill run and two days after a 40-minute downhill run

Lung Function Change

Participants' lung function will be tested before the 1.5-mile run and at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes post-exercise. Lung function will be assessed with a spirometer by having participants perform a maximal forced expiration. Breathing difficulty will also be measured before and after the run with the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale.