Evaluation of the Effects of Alpha Size on Explosive Ability, Strength, and IGF-1 Hormone Levels

Abstract

Ergogenic aides are widely used by fitness enthusiast and athletes to increase performance. Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (A-GPC) has demonstrated some initial promise in changing explosive performance. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if 6 days of supplementation with A-GPC would augment isometric force production compared to a placebo. Thirteen college aged males (Means ± SD; Age: 21.9 ± 2.2 yrs, Height: 180.3 ± 7.7 cm, Weight: 87.6 ± 15.6 kg; VO2 max: 40.08 ± 7.23 ml O2*Kg-1*min-1, Body Fat: 17.5 ± 4.6 %) gave written informed consent to participate in the study. The study was a double blind placebo controlled, cross-over design. The participants reported to the lab for an initial visit where they were familiarized with the isometric mid-thigh pull in a custom squat cage on a force platform and upper body isometric test against a high frequency load cell, and baseline measurements were taken for both. The participant then consumed either 600 mg per day of A-GPC or placebo, and at the end of 6 days, performed isometric mid-thigh pull and an upper body isometric test. A one week washout period was used before the participants baseline was re-measured and crossed over to the other treatment. The A-GPC treatment resulted in significantly greater isometric mid-thigh pull peak force change from baseline (t= 1.76, p=0.044) compared with placebo (A-GPC: 98.8.±236.9N vs Placebo: -39.0±170.9N). For the upper body test, the A- GPC treatment trended towards greater change from baseline force production (A-GPC: 50.9±167.2N Placebo: -14.9±114.9N), but failed to obtain statistical significance (t=1.16, p=0.127). The study found that A-GPC is effective at increasing lower body force production after 6 days of supplementation. Sport performance coaches can consider adding A-GPC to the diet of speed and power athletes to enhance muscle performance.