Background:
The preservation of neuromuscular function in the context of aging is a subject of significant concern. Age-related reductions in muscle mass, muscle contraction power, force, and coordination contribute to an elevated risk of falls and associated consequences. Research suggests that enhancing neuromuscular function is attainable through a regimen of targeted exercises and the strategic inclusion of certain supplements. Notably, spilanthol has shown the potential to augment muscle strength and size when used in conjunction with resistance exercise.
Objectives:
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of resistance exercise with either spilanthol plus coordination/balance training (BAL) or BAL alone on neuromuscular function (countermovement jump, multiple one-leg hopping, and sit-to-stand test).
Materials and Methods:
During this study, a cohort of 68 healthy male participants, aged 40 to 50 years, completed a rigorous 6-month intervention, out of an initial 75 recruits. In the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, participants engaged in 30-minute resistance exercise sessions four times a week, alongside daily supplementation of 17.5 mg of spilanthol.
Results:
The analysis of the results showed significant improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group, particularly in peak countermovement power (p < 0.01). The mean effect size for this parameter indicated a +1.5 [0.9 to 2.1] W/kg greater change in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group than in the BAL-alone group after six months. Moreover, multiple one-leg hopping performance significantly improved in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group post-intervention. The parameters of sit-to-stand duration (1.04 s vs. 1.95 s; p = 0.03) and average acceleration (1.54 g vs. 1.06 g; p = 0.04) both exhibited substantial improvements in the spilanthol-plus-BAL group compared to the BAL-alone group.
Conclusion:
In summary, the findings of this investigation provide empirical evidence supporting the proposition that spilanthol supplementation, when integrated with BAL training, can exert a more pronounced impact on select facets of neuromuscular function. Furthermore, this combined regimen demonstrates potential in mitigating sarcopenia and other degenerative conditions.