Author/Authors :
Martins, Moises Silvestre de Azevedo Studies Research Group in Neuromuscular Responses - GEPREN - University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil , Schoenfeld, Brad J Department of Health Sciences - CUNY Lehman College, Bronx, New York, United States , Zanetti, Gabriel G Department of Fundamental Nursing - University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil , Bacurau, Reury F P Department of Physical Education - University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil , da Silva, Sandro Fernandes Studies Research Group in Neuromuscular Responses - GEPREN - University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
Abstract :
This study investigated whether naproxen has an ergogenic effect on neuromuscular performance. A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted on 11 resistance-trained men who performed one strength-training session after
taking 500 mg of naproxen and another session after taking a placebo. Participants performed three sets of the horizontal bench
press with a load of 90% of repetition maximum (RM) to concentric failure. Outcome variables included number of repetitions,
workload, fatigue index (FI), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Results showed a statistically insignificant reduction in the
number of repetitions for placebo when compared to naproxen, amounting to a relative difference of 44.89%. DOMS was lower in
the naproxen group, but differences between conditions were not statistically significant. A statistically significant treatment effect
was found for workload, favoring naproxen treatment. A statistically significant difference was found for FI between the second and
third sets compared to the first set, with results favoring naproxen. We concluded that naproxen helps enhance neuromuscular
outcomes in an acute high-intensity strength training bout.
