<p> Introduction: Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline (A-GPC) is a supplement designed to elevate free circulating plasma choline concentration and elevate growth hormone levels. Increased choline and growth hormone availability has the potential to enhance strength and power during resistance exercise. Caffeine has also been shown to raise serum choline levels and enhance athletic performance. In addition, both caffeine and A-GPC have the potential to improve cognitive function. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine if caffeine and/or a novel A-GPC supplement can enhance isometric strength, explosive ability, and cognitive function in healthy young males. Participants: Subjects included 48 college-aged males. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Subgroups consumed a seven-day supply of either 250mg A-GPC, 500mg A-GPC, 200mg of caffeine, or a placebo. Methods: Participants performed a vertical jump test, isometric mid-thigh pull, upper-body isometric strength test, and a psychomotor vigilance test. Blood samples were collected on day one after performance tests in order to monitor plasma choline and growth hormone levels. Participants consumed the rest of their supplement pack before returning on day seven to repeat performance tests. Results: No significant differences were observed in peak force, peak power, rate of force development, alertness, or reaction time from pre to post-supplementation in any group. Conclusion: Although the results of this study do not support the use of A-GPC or caffeine to enhance isometric strength, explosive ability, or cognitive functioning, this is the first human study to date to examine the effects of both caffeine and A-GPC on all the aforementioned variables simultaneously thus making it a novel investigation. It is suggested that future studies administer larger doses of caffeine/A-GPC.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10163278 |
| Date | 01 December 2016 |
| Creators | Marcus, Lena R. |
| Publisher | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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