Effects of Black Maca supplement on isokinetics muscular performance of elite women’s handball players: placebo-controlled, crossover study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in isokinetic muscular performance among female adolescent elite handball athletes with the supplementation of Black Maca (BM).

Methods: Eight elite handball athletes were recruited for the present study. The intake capsules contained 2,500 mg of 100% concentrated BM extract and a placebo each, for 4 weeks. Isokinetic muscular performance and physical fitness were measured three times at 4-week intervals after the intake of BM and placebo, including baseline.

Results: The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis showed a significant improvement in 20 m-shuttle run (P < 0.001), 30°/s flexor (P < 0.01), and 120°/s flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the trunk, and 180°/s right extensor (P < 0.05), 180°/s left extensor (P < 0.05), and 180°/s left flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the knee, after BM supplementation. Post-hoc analysis indicated that the BM group had significantly higher results compared to the baseline and placebo groups in terms of 20 m-shuttle run, 30°/s flexor and 120°/s flexor of the trunk, 180°/s right extensor, 180°/s left extensor, and 180°/s left flexor of the knee.

Conclusion: BM supplementation can have a positive effect on improving the performance of elite handball players who engage in high-intensity movements by enhancing their isokinetic muscle function and endurance.