This study aimed to assess if nitrate supplementation influence motor unit (MU) activity following a sustained ischemic contraction and whether this is affected by blood flow restriction (BFR) during the recovery period. Fourteen male participants (mean ± SD, 25 ± 6 years) completed two experimental trials following 5-days of supplementation with either nitrate-rich (NIT) or nitrate-depleted (PLA) beetroot juice in a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design. Intramuscular electromyography was used to assess MU potential (MUP) size and firing rates (MUFR) during a submaximal (25% MVC) sustained isometric contraction with BFR. These variables were also assessed during a 90 s recovery period with the first half completed with, and the second half completed without, BFR. Nitrate supplementation can expedite the recovery of MUP duration following a sustained ischemic contraction in healthy adults. These novel observations improve understanding of the effects of nitrate on the recovery of neuromuscular function post-exercise and might have implications for recovery of muscle contractile function.
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Plasma Nitrite Level
Timeframe: Pre-exercise
Motor Unit Activity
Timeframe: Pre-exercise, post-exercise, recovery (45 s)