Effects of the hydrolyzed collagen supplement Colnatur Sport® on endurance training and performance of runners

Abstract

The main purpose of this observational prospective pilot study was to evaluate the effects of hydrolysed collagen supplementation, in endurance training, in the performance of runners. A cohort of sixty-one subjects (women with an age = 44 ± 5 years; height = 1.65 ± 0.4 m; weight = 58.4 ± 5.2 kg; men with an age = 51 ± 3 years; height = 1.82 ± 0.2 m; weight = 74.4 ± 3.1 kg) received a collagen supplement (11 g / day) during 16 weeks. They performed a 21 kilometre endurance test (21KmET) at baseline and after 16 weeks of follow up. Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests were measured before and after each 21KmET and biochemical analyses and a bioimpedance were performed after each 21KmET. Subjects underwent three sport training sessions a week and a supplement intake during the follow up. Regarding the 21KmET time, there were significant differences between before and after supplementation intake (p < .05) and a higher pain perception was assessed with a visual analogue scale at the second 21KmET (p < .05). Significant improvements were observed in handgrip strength, SJ and CMJ after 16 week of supplement intake. Conclusions: A programmed endurance training improves the functionality of the runner in long-distance events and a periodic intake of hydrolysed collagen could help a better performance because it improves the conditions of muscles and joints.