Effect of acute consumption of yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on the anaerobic performance of athletes with physical disabilities: A randomized clinical trial

Resumen

The rise in competitive levels in Paralympic sports, has led to an increase in the consumption of supplements among athletes with disabilities, aiming for a competitive edge. Due to its caffeine content, Yerba-mate, the main ingredient of Tereré, presents ergogenic potential. However, to date, its effects have not been tested in athletes with physical disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of Tereré (yerba-mate infused in cold water) ingestion on the anaerobic performance of athletes with physical disabilities. Five male athletes (31.3±13.7 years) with varying physical disabilities, from different sport modalities, who actively participated in competitions (≥1 year), were selected. The protocol included three visits to the gym-school. In the first visit, a health history questionnaire was applied and participants received general instructions. In the final two visits, athletes were randomly allocated to either the TrrEX (traditional yerba mate) or TrrPL (decaffeinated yerba mate) condition and ingested the respective drinks 60 minutes before testing. Dietary and caffeine intake were assessed using specific questionnaires. Sixty minutes after supplementation, a three-attempt medicine ball throw test was performed, followed by an adapted 30-second Wingate test on an arm crank ergometer. The ingestion of TrrEX did not lead to a statistically significant change in peak power (p=0.96), mean power (p=0.97), minimum power (p=0.78), fatigue index (p=0.27), or the distance thrown by the upper limbs in the medicine ball test (p=0.98) compared to TrrPL. In conclusion, acute ingestion of Tereré did not demonstrate ergogenic effects on the anaerobic performance of athletes with physical disabilities.