The Effect Of Using Spirulina Supplementation On The Performance Of 400-Meter Runners Under 20 Years Old

Abstract

The idea of the present research lies in enhancing athletic performance through the application of auxiliary sciences that support the training process, such as nutrition science, by utilizing supplements that reduce muscular fatigue. The purpose of this research was to identify the effect of Spirulina supplementation on the performance of 400-meter runners under 20 years old. The research hypothesized that there would be no statistically significant differences between the pre-test and post-test results. The researchers adopted the experimental method using an experimental group and a control group design. The research sample was intentionally selected from elite 400-meter runners under 20 years of age, comprising ten athletes from various governorates of Iraq. The participants were randomly assigned using the odd-even method into two groups, with five runners in each group. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data processing. According to the results, the researchers concluded that Spirulina supplementation contributed to the improvement of all biochemical variables investigated in the study, which was reflected in the enhancement of 400-meter running performance. The researchers recommend paying attention to the nutritional aspect of athletes alongside the training program, as it is no less important than training itself, given that physical exertion leads to numerous physiological and biochemical changes within the athlete’s body.