Scheduled for Exercise Physiology and Fitness, Biomechanics and Sports Medicine Posters, Friday, April 4, 2003, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall A


Effects of Bee-Pollen on Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2 max), Blood Parameters and Recovery Time of Endurance Athletes

Erdal Zorba1, Hacalet Mollaogullari1, Ýbrahim Erdemir2, Ferman Konukman3 and Ilker Yilmaz4, (1)Mugla University, Mugla, Turkey, (2)Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey, (3)Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, (4)Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey

Many dietary ergogenic aids are being used by athletes to have optimal performance amongst them bee-pollen research has showed that it had positive effects on body functions and certain illness when used as a nutritional supplement (Williams, 1995), for muscular endurance and strength of athletes (Chen et. al., 1986), muscular strength of rats (Shuyun, 1989), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) of adolescent swimmers (Maughan & Evans, 1982). Yet there have also been studies that have provided conflicting results and did not support the effects of bee-pollen on perceived exertion of athletes (Woodhouse et. al, 1987) and, white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration in rats (Liebelt & Calcagnetti, 1999). Endurance type of sports activities requires high O2 supply. High maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) is one of the important determining factors for a good athletic performance in many team sports (Bompa, 1999; Potteiger, 2000). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bee-pollen on VO2 max, blood parameters (serum cholesterol, serum glucose, serum triglycerid, HDL-C (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol), LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), total protein (Albumin and Globulin), WBC, RBC, HGB and recovery time of endurance athletes. Subjects were recruited from athletes who performed endurance type of exercise on a regular basis in a collegiate track team. Twelve voluntarily male subjects ages between 21-26 participated into study. Subjects were randomly assigned as a treatment group (N=6) and a control group (N=6). Treatment group received 15 gr. bee-pollen and control group received a placebo only. For statistical evaluation, pre and post-tests measurements were taken in both groups for blood samples, heart rate, and body fat. In addition, Bruce protocol was applied on a treadmill to determine VO2 max. The data was analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Alpha was set at p<0.05. Results from this study show that the treatment group had a significant effect on weight (z=-1,99), serum glucose (z=-2,21), serum triglycerid (z=-2,03), RBC (z=-1,99) as well as the recovery time of 15 sec. (z=-1,99), 30 sec. (z=-2,23) and 45 sec (z=-1,99) at level p<0.05. On the other hand, there were no significant differences found in control group pre-and post-test parameters. This study is limited to the characteristics of the participants, intervention, tests, and the measurements applied. Therefore, further studies should address the effects bee-pollen on different gender, physical activity, and parameters.

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