Chen Chung-Yu, Hou Chien-Wen, Bernard Jeffrey R, Chen Chiu-Chou, Hung Ta-Cheng, Cheng Lu-Ling, Liao Yi-Hung, Kuo Chia-Hua
1 Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Taipei , Taipei, Taiwan .
High Alt Med Biol. 2014 Sep;15(3):371-9. doi: 10.1089/ham.2013.1114.
High altitude training is a widely used strategy for improving aerobic exercise performance. Both Rhodiola crenulata (R) and Cordyceps sinensis (C) supplements have been reported to improve exercise performance. However, it is not clear whether the provision of R and C during high altitude training could further enhance aerobic endurance capacity. In this study, we examined the effect of R and C based supplementation on aerobic exercise capacity following 2-week high altitude training. Alterations to autonomic nervous system activity, circulatory hormonal, and hematological profiles were investigated. Eighteen male subjects were divided into two groups: Placebo (n=9) and R/C supplementation (RC, n=9). Both groups received either RC (R: 1400 mg+C: 600 mg per day) or the placebo during a 2-week training period at an altitude of 2200 m. After 2 weeks of altitude training, compared with Placebo group, the exhaustive run time was markedly longer (Placebo: +2.2% vs. RC: +5.7%; p<0.05) and the decline of parasympathetic (PNS) activity was significantly prevented in RC group (Placebo: -51% vs. RC: -41%; p<0.05). Red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels were elevated in both groups to a comparable extent after high altitude training (p<0.05), whereas the erythropoietin (EPO) level remained higher in the Placebo group (∼48% above RC values; p<0.05). The provision of an RC supplement during altitude training provides greater training benefits in improving aerobic performance. This beneficial effect of RC treatment may result from better maintenance of PNS activity and accelerated physiological adaptations during high altitude training.
高原训练是一种广泛应用于提高有氧运动表现的策略。据报道，红景天（R）和冬虫夏草（C）补充剂都能改善运动表现。然而，在高原训练期间同时补充R和C是否能进一步提高有氧耐力能力尚不清楚。在本研究中，我们检测了在进行为期2周的高原训练后，基于R和C的补充剂对有氧运动能力的影响。同时还研究了自主神经系统活动、循环激素和血液学指标的变化。18名男性受试者被分为两组：安慰剂组（n = 9）和R/C补充剂组（RC组，n = 9）。两组在海拔2200米的环境下进行为期2周的训练期间，分别接受RC（R：每天1400毫克 + C：每天600毫克）或安慰剂。经过2周的高原训练后，与安慰剂组相比，RC组的力竭跑步时间显著延长（安慰剂组：增加2.2%，RC组：增加5.7%；p < 0.05），并且RC组副交感神经（PNS）活动的下降得到了显著抑制（安慰剂组：下降51%，RC组：下降41%；p < 0.05）。高原训练后，两组的红细胞、血细胞比容和血红蛋白水平均有相当程度的升高（p < 0.05），而安慰剂组的促红细胞生成素（EPO）水平仍然较高（比RC组的值高约48%；p < 0.05）。在高原训练期间补充RC补充剂在改善有氧运动表现方面能带来更大的训练效益。RC治疗的这种有益效果可能源于在高原训练期间能更好地维持PNS活动以及加速生理适应。
